Google is aiming for broad AI integration in its products and wants one Report by 9to5Mac Extend generative AI to Gmail, Docs and Messages. The company is primarily targeting its Chromebooks, which should be upgraded as a result. However, this feature may be reserved for the premium Chromebook models.
A new ChromeOS feature, codenamed Orca, is said to allow text rewriting with AI. The function should be able to suggest revisions and insert rewritten text.
Orca will reportedly spring into action via a right-click menu while editing text. The interface, codenamed Mako, is to be used to request suggestions from the AI.
The feature, called Manta, apparently allows for server-based processing. Because the AI is not running on the Chromebooks themselves – Google’s servers are responsible for that.
AI support will come with ChromeOS 118
Details are not yet known given the secrecy of the function. Chromebook integration would make AI typing support readily available in many applications. The tool seems to be in an early stage. The earliest timeframe for launch appears to be ChromeOS 118 in mid-October 2023.
However, Google may initially only limit access to Chromebook X models. Chromebook X stands for premium devices that meet certain specifications.
As with all emerging AI applications, the security of user data and the provenance of training data will prove critical should the feature roll out. How Google handles these factors will determine ultimate acceptance.