Why is Google trying to read my mind?

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QAt first I thought I was imagining it, but now I’m sure: Gmail is second-guessing me! It happens every time I type a message. What I mean is that as I compose a new email to a contact, I see greyed-out words ahead of what I’m actually typing. These appear to be guesses (by Google, I assume) about what it thinks I’m going to type. Sometimes those guesses are correct, and sometimes they’re not. But, what is the point of this? And why has this only recently started happening? Have I inadvertently stumbled upon a bit of spying from Google? I’d be interested in your thoughts on what’s going on. Melissa Raven

AThis isn’t Google spying – at least no more or less so than anything else the company does with the data it holds on you (and practically everyone else in the modern world). In fact, what you’re describing is a new Gmail feature that the firm has been quietly rolling out over the past few months.

It’s called Smart Compose and it does exactly what you describe, which is to predict what you’re typing. The point is to serve as a time-saver, but you’re missing out on the potential benefit of that. And that, in turn, is because Google hasn’t been terribly good at communicating how to take advantage. The trick is this: when you see a Smart Compose suggestion that is correct, just tap the Tab key on your keyboard. Google’s prediction will be instantly added to your message, and you can continue typing. While it takes a bit of getting used to, it can actually be quite useful.

However, there’s no denying that Smart Compose can be distracting. If that’s how it feels for you, then it’s easy enough to disable. First, click the Settings cog at the top right of the Gmail window, then click Settings (see screenshot 1 ). Now click to select the General tab. Finally, scroll down to the Smart Compose section, click to select the ‘Writing suggestions off’ option (see screenshot 2 ), then scroll down some more to click Save Changes.