Google Launches AI-Powered Contextual Smart Replies for Gmail on Mobile Devices

Google introduces Contextual Smart Replies for Gmail on Android and iOS, offering AI-driven, detailed email responses tailored to conversation context, available to select subscribers.
SummaryGoogle is launching Contextual Smart Replies for Gmail on Android and iOS following their I/O 2024 announcement. This updated feature, building on 2017’s Smart Reply, uses Gemini AI to offer detailed, context-aware email responses. Users can preview and insert suggested replies directly into emails, with the feature currently supporting only English and available to subscribers of specific paid tiers. The rollout begins today and integrates with other recent updates like email summarization and Gmail Q&A. Additionally, Gmail is introducing features such as verified sender checkmarks, longer subject lines for promotional categories, and a redesigned Quick Reply on Android.

Introduction of Contextual Smart Replies in Gmail

With the announcement made at I/O 2024, Google is introducing a new feature called Contextual Smart Replies for both Android and iOS Gmail applications.

Evolution of Smart Replies

Introduced in 2017, Smart Reply was designed for quick, brief email responses. Building on that foundation, the new Contextual Smart Replies leverage Google’s Gemini AI to offer more nuanced and detailed responses. This advanced AI can analyze the specific context of an email conversation and propose replies that are specifically tailored to the ongoing dialogue.

Features and Functionality

The updated Smart Replies are displayed in a carousel format, with each suggestion clearly indicating its high-level intent and how it varies from the others. Users can long-press any response to preview the text quickly. By tapping on a suggestion, it is inserted directly into the email body, complete with a greeting and closing, allowing for further customization by the user.

Language Support and Subscription Requirements

Currently, Contextual Smart Replies support only the English language. To access this feature, users must subscribe to one of the following paid tiers:

– Google One AI Premium

– Gemini Business, Enterprise, Education, or Education Premium

Rollout Timeline

The rollout of Contextual Smart Replies begins today and will be fully accessible over the coming weeks. This new feature complements existing Gmail enhancements, such as the ability to summarize individual emails and the Gmail Q&A, which serves as a desktop side panel for mobile users.

Additional Gmail Updates

Recent and Upcoming Changes

– Gmail for Android and iOS is adding blue verified sender checkmarks, improving security and authenticity.

– The Gemini app is set to join Google Workspace, providing a boost to Gmail’s security through Large Language Models (LLMs).

– Gmail now accommodates longer subject lines for the Promotions and Updates categories on Android devices.

– A redesign of Gmail’s ‘Quick Reply’ feature is also being rolled out on Android.

These enhancements are part of Google’s ongoing commitment to improving user experience and email management across its platforms.