Google Docs gains AI-powered image generation with Imagen 3, WhatsApp adds drafts feature

Google’s Gemini AI platform continues to expand its capabilities, bringing advanced AI features to its suite of services. The latest update introduces Imagen 3 integration into Google Docs, enabling users to generate high-quality images directly within their documents. This is a big step forward, especially for those who often need custom images to complement their text.

What is Imagen 3?
Imagen 3, developed by DeepMind, is Google’s most advanced image generation model to date. It offers higher photorealism, improved prompt understanding, and fewer visual artifacts compared to previous versions. It also features SynthID, a watermarking tool designed to distinguish AI-generated images from real ones, which is crucial in combating misinformation. Users can create images using various styles like photorealistic, watercolor, sketches, and even cyberpunk art. This integration allows you to generate images using text prompts, adjusting size and style directly in Google Docs, enhancing productivity by eliminating the need to search for external images​.

Accessing Imagen 3 in Google Docs
The new image generation feature can be accessed via the Insert menu:

• Go to Insert > Image > Help me create an image.
• Input a text description for the image you want, and choose the desired style.
• This feature will be especially useful in Google Docs’ “pageless mode,” where it can also be accessed under Insert > Cover image.

However, this advanced capability is only available for paid subscribers of Google’s AI plans. Users on the Gemini Business, Enterprise, and Google One AI Premium tiers can access this feature, making it a premium addition to the Google Workspace toolkit​.

WhatsApp’s New Feature: Draft Messages

In addition to Google’s updates, WhatsApp has introduced a long-requested feature: message drafts. Now, whenever you start typing a message but don’t send it, the app will save it as a draft. These drafts are marked with a “Draft” label and appear at the top of your chat list, making it easy to spot and return to unfinished messages. This feature aims to enhance user experience by reducing the likelihood of forgetting unsent messages, ensuring better communication flow. This update is part of a series of recent improvements, reflecting WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to boost usability, especially for its massive user base, which recently reached over 100 million monthly active users​.

Conclusion

These updates highlight Google’s and WhatsApp’s focus on enhancing user experience through advanced AI features and usability improvements. For professionals using Google Workspace, the integration of Imagen 3 offers a seamless way to include custom visuals, making documents more dynamic. Meanwhile, WhatsApp’s introduction of message drafts addresses a common user need, ensuring smoother messaging experiences. As both companies continue to innovate, users can expect more such features aimed at improving efficiency and communication.