Google has recently unveiled a new tool for its Chrome browser, named “Help me write,” integrating generative AI technology to assist users in crafting or refining text directly from webpage content.

With the latest stable release of Chrome M122, this innovative writing assistant is now accessible to English-speaking Chrome users in the US, across both Mac and Windows platforms.

Designed to enhance the writing process for short-form content, “Help me write” simplifies tasks like completing digital surveys, drafting product inquiries, or creating descriptions for online sales. Google highlights the tool’s ability to grasp the context of the webpage you’re visiting, thereby generating suggestions that incorporate relevant details—such as pulling product features into a review you’re writing.

Use Case

For instance, “Help me write” can transform a straightforward, perhaps overly direct message into a request phrased in a more polished and professional manner. This adjustment not only aids in communication clarity but also elevates the tone of the message, as demonstrated by Google with an example involving a hotel check-in request.

This feature has evolved visually from its initial announcement for Gmail at Google’s I/O event, now presenting as a floating application window. This interface adjustment provides users with separate options to fine-tune the length and tone of the generated content, akin to functionalities previously introduced by Microsoft for Edge and Bing search.

To engage with this feature, US users must activate Chrome’s Experimental AI via the browser’s settings. This involves navigating to the Experimental AI section, selecting “Help me write,” and proceeding to relaunch the browser. Subsequently, users can right-click on any text field within a webpage to summon the writing assistant.

Twisty Road Ahead

Google cautions users against submitting personal data like names, contact details, or financial information into the tool. Furthermore, the company assures that Chrome will refrain from using such data for model training purposes, even if entered.

While “Help me write” emerges as a potentially groundbreaking tool, particularly for users with disabilities or those not fully proficient in English, its practical utility remains to be fully realized.

The prospect of streamlining writing tasks is enticing; however, the effectiveness of this tool hinges on its ability to generate precise copy without necessitating extensive user adjustments.

Additionally, concerns linger regarding the potential misuse of the tool, such as fabricating inauthentic product reviews, underscoring the need for careful consideration of its applications.

It will help you write, but YOU will need to own the results.