Google Docs on Android May Soon Get Gemini-Powered 'Help me write' Feature

Google Docs may finally get this long-overdue Gemini upgrade on Android

Right now we don't have much more than the appearance of that name, with the tool not yet functional. Google's been spending the better part of the past couple years squeezing AI tools into just about every nook and cranny of its apps and services -- for better or for worse. Some of those additions feel like absolute upgrades, while others (like Search AI Mode) are more of an acquired taste. The nice thing for many, though, is that Google's not forcing us to use them, and that's especially true for its generative AI tools, like Gmail's "Help me write." If you do find those useful, you may soon have a new option to try out, as a Workspace web feature gets ready to go mobile.

Google Docs wants to bring Gemini's writing chops to Android

Google's "Help me write" is a Gemini-powered text cleanup/generation tool available across multiple Google products, including Gmail and Google Docs. Strangely, this feature is absent from the Docs app for Android, meaning thousands of users, if not more, are missing out on it. However, that could change soon. A report by Android Authority shines light on the development of a dedicated "Help me write" shortcut in the Google Docs app's toolbar. Evidence of this tool was spotted within Docs version 1.25.401.00.90 and required some tinkering to appear. Although the publication managed to unlock the shortcut in the Docs toolbar -- positioned to the left of icons for Bold, Italic, and other formatting tools -- it's not fully functional just yet. A long-awaited feature addition for Google Docs users on Android Tapping the 'Help me write' icon (denoted by a pencil and sparkle) returns a box to type in the prompt, but hitting submit returns nothing, Android Authority notes. This is to be expected given that the tool's implementation in the Docs app for Android is still in its nascency. However, this is as good an indicator as any that Google is finally preparing an Android version of this powerful AI tool for Docs users. It's worth mentioning that "Help me write" first rolled out to Google Docs in early 2023 as part of the Workspace Labs program, before becoming more widely available some months later. Similarly, the tool also made its way to Gmail in the middle of 2023 (including on Android), while reaching the Chrome browser the following year. Taking this into account, it's clear that Google has taken its sweet time in bringing 'Help me write' to Docs on Android. Despite this development, it's difficult to say when Google Docs will fully incorporate the shortcut into its mobile app. While not all under-development features spotted in APK teardowns make it into the final release, it's safe to say this particular addition will be rolled out at some point in the future. You can currently try out 'Help me write' on the web version of Google Docs, provided you have a Google AI or Workspace subscription. It's also accessible to users enrolled in the Workspace Labs early-access program. These same limitations will likely apply when 'Help me write' lands on the Google Docs mobile apps.