Google Plans AI Email Tool to Sort, Reply in User Style

Google DeepMind, led by CEO Demis Hassabis, is developing an advanced AI-powered email assistant designed to transform how users manage their Gmail inboxes by automating routine tasks such as sorting messages, drafting replies, and highlighting important emails. This "next-generation email" tool aims to mimic a user’s writing style to respond authentically and reduce the manual burden of email management, potentially as a subscription service. Hassabis emphasized the broader vision of AI as a personal assistant that not only streamlines communication but also protects users from attention-draining algorithms and digital fatigue. While acknowledging privacy concerns and the need for safeguards, Hassabis highlighted that users would retain control over their data. He also noted that, although AI's short-term impact might be overhyped, its long-term societal effects could rival transformative events like the Industrial Revolution. The development reflects Google’s broader push to embed generative AI into core services, marking a significant step toward more personalized, efficient digital interaction.