I'm being asked why I think #Google is pulling the standard "Undo" function out many Chrome text input right-click context menus, and replacing that menu selection (without any advance warning or explanation) with their AI-based "Help me write".

I don't know, but I can guess. I suspect it was something like this at a team meeting:

"Hey, word is that we really need to up the AI engagement metrics. What haven't we covered yet? [ laughter ]"

"Well, we could get rid of context menus Undo and replace it with an AI selection. Then when users right-click during text input, they'll get the "Help me write" prompt where they've pretty much always expected undo to be."

"I like that. It'll be right in their faces. Do you think there will be any blowback from people not finding Undo in those context menus anymore?"

"Naw, pretty much everyone knows the keyboard shortcut for undo is Control-Z. They can just use the shortcut. Only a fool wouldn't know that. And we don't care about fools!"

"Absolutely. OK, I'm in. Should there be any kind of warning or explanation for this?"

"No way -- let it be a surprise to the users! More impact!"

"Wow, I can feel those AI engagement metrics going up already!"

"Great work, team! All AI, all the time!"

@lauren My favourite version of this is they switched out the Android powerbutton on the Pixels, so now when you squeeze it expecting to turn your phone off or restart...

the AI Assistant comes up instead. No doubt for the exact same stimulation of engagement reasons you mention.

Took me a long time to work out you now have to squeeze the former power button and a volume button to turn your phone off.

@mattlav1250 @lauren on the iPhone it’s even worse as it’s some magical incantation of volume buttons and ex-power button that I can never remember. So when I have to force shut off the phone I’m usually stuck until I can find a computer to search the Internet for what the right combo was.