Millions of Yahoo users offered rival to ChatGPT - here's how you can try it

31 August 2023 , 11:22

662     0

Yahoo Mail has just launched a range of AI features which could help save you some serious time and money

If you're still using Yahoo Mail, you're in luck.

After surviving a number of near-complete shut downs over the past decade, Yahoo is still alive and kicking. In fact, the popular email and messaging service has just introduced a number of powerful ChatGPT-style AI features to its AI beta experience.

Yahoo users on both iOS and desktop PCs can access the features, which include new search tools, an email writing assistant, message summaries.

READ MORE: All you need to know about ChatGPT - from how it works to job losses

It might not sound that dissimilar to the AI tools already present on services like Gmail. In fact, Yahoo is even using Google Cloud technology to introduce the tools. However, there is a unique additional feature called Shopping Saver which is designed to help save you money on your online shopping.

Pigeons are so smart their brains can rival Artificial Intelligence, experts say

Yahoo's new AI features let you get more from your inbox by asking for key information in a natural conversational style (Yahoo)

It uses AI technology to scan through your inbox for any forgotten discount codes, gift cards, store credits, and can even draft emails to stores asking for savings after a purchase has already been made.

The other AI features also give Yahoo users more control over their inboxes:

• Search: Instead of having to type keywords, users can now ask their inbox questions or select from a series of prompts to get information fom their email. Yahoo says this will help you narrow search results down to answers as precise as 'how much did I spend on groceries last week?', but whether it will remain this exact for users in the long-term remains to be seen.
• Message Summary: Yahoo's new email tools could save you the hassle of reading through long emails by generating summaries of lengthy messages, giving you key information such as dates, times, and points of action. It can even suggest tasks, calendar events and follow-up topics.
• Writing Assistant: Any Gmail user will already be familiar with Google's writing assistant, a feature which Yahoo users will now be able to enjoy as well. You'll be able to select from a range of tones including 'urgent', 'grateful', 'apologetic' and more.

AI is becoming more commonplace in many of the online services we use, thanks to the popularity of ChatGPT

Adaire Fox-Martin, President of Google Go-to-Market, said: "We're thrilled that Yahoo is deploying Google Cloud's AI platform and tools to help transform Yahoo Mail with new services and features. AI is redefining consumer experiences, and for Yahoo users this means improved experiences shopping for deals, searching through emails, communicating more seamlessly, and more."

Whether you're already a Yahoo Mail user or just want to try out the new features for yourself, you can sign up to the AI Beta programme right now and test them out. Just follow the steps on this link to request to join the beta.

Ciaran Daly