Key Takeaways:
- Gmail is introducing new AI features, including AI Overviews, AI-powered email writing and replying, and an "AI Inbox" that acts as a personalized briefing.
- The new features will be turned on by default for over 3 billion Gmail users.
- Users can opt out of the AI features, but this will also disable other tools such as autocorrect, spell check, and email categories.
- The AI features can be turned off by going to the "Smart Features" section in the Gmail settings.
- The new features are part of Gmail’s "Gemini era," which aims to integrate AI into the email application.
Introduction to Gmail’s Gemini Era
Gmail, the email app used by over 3 billion people, is officially entering its "Gemini era" with the introduction of new artificial intelligence features. According to a blog post by Google, the company is turning on numerous AI tools by default in the app. As stated in the blog post, "Gmail is officially entering its ‘Gemini era,’ with Google turning on numerous AI tools by default in the app that over 3 billion people use." The new features include AI Overviews, which have been available at the top of Google Search results since May 2024, and will now be integrated into Gmail. This feature will allow users to type questions into Gmail’s search bar to find emails, rather than digging through threads with dozens of replies.
New AI Features in Gmail
The new AI features in Gmail also include tools for email writing and replying, as well as an "AI Inbox" that will act as a personalized briefing. According to Google, the AI Inbox will provide users with a personalized summary of their emails, making it easier to stay on top of their inbox. As Gmail Vice President of Product Blake Barnes said, the new Gemini AI features are designed to make Gmail more intuitive and user-friendly. The AI-powered email writing and replying features will use machine learning algorithms to suggest responses to emails, making it easier for users to respond quickly and efficiently.
Opting Out of AI Features
However, not all users may be comfortable with the new AI features, and may want to opt out of them. To do this, users will need to manually opt out of the features in the email application’s settings. As the company notes, "Gmail users who don’t want the features will have to manually opt out of them in the email application’s settings." To turn off the AI features, users will need to go to the "Smart Features" section under the "General" tab in the Gmail settings and uncheck the box that says "Turn on smart features in Gmail, Chat, and Meet." Additionally, users will need to turn off the sliders in "Google Workspace smart features."
Trade-Offs of Opting Out
However, opting out of the AI features comes at a cost. Turning off the Gemini AI features will also turn off some of Gmail’s other embedded legacy features, including autocorrect, spell check, desktop notifications, and package tracking. Additionally, turning off the AI features will disable Gmail’s email categories functions, which split emails into "Primary," "Promotions," and "Social" categories to differentiate emails from people and companies. As the company notes, "turning off the AI features will also disable Gmail’s email categories functions, which split emails into ‘Primary,’ ‘Promotions,’ and ‘Social’ categories to differentiate emails from people and companies." This may be a significant trade-off for some users, who rely on these features to manage their inbox.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the introduction of new AI features in Gmail marks a significant shift in the way users interact with their email. While the features are designed to make Gmail more intuitive and user-friendly, some users may be hesitant to adopt them. By providing users with the option to opt out of the AI features, Google is giving users control over their email experience. However, the trade-offs of opting out may be significant, and users will need to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of using the new AI features. As Gmail Vice President of Product Blake Barnes said, the new Gemini AI features are designed to make Gmail more intuitive and user-friendly, and it will be interesting to see how users respond to the new features.
https://www.10tv.com/article/news/nation-world/how-to-turn-off-gmail-ai-training-gemini-features-artificial-intelligence/507-5ba7947e-fc08-4602-8f5a-1f4fb017e8b0