When LLMs first captured public attention in 2022, Google created several concepts to stay competitive with ChatGPT, Midjourney, and Dall-E in the messaging space.

Concepts proposed were based on image manipulation and the use of intelligence inside Messages to provide novel and delightful experiences.

To make Google Message avatar-creation feel fresh, we explored the ability for users to edit their avatar based on a predefined set of filters. Once this concept was socialized, this experience was strategically transferred to another product team for further development.

These GenAI concepts helped Google understand how it could productize LLM technologies to stay competitive. Further, it helped clarify the appropriate placement of various GenAI touch points within the Google ecosystem.