• by Ray Schultz , Columnist, Yesterday

Email users have a new AI automation tool, although it is not clear whether it will help them with large-scale marketing. 

Hive, an AI productivity tool, has introduced Buzz, an AI agent that has reduced inbox time by 37% in beta, the company says in an announcement. 

Buzz drafts replies in the user’s voice and translates decisions into assigned next steps, it adds.

Microsoft reports that workers spend 8.8 hours per week on emails. Moreover, email interruptions cost workers up to 30% in lost productivity. And email volume is expected to increase by over 17% by 2028, Hive asserts.

Buzz is now available regardless of Hive customer status.

According to Hive, Buzz provides: 

• Context — based on insights from the user’s tasks, meetings and notes for replies
• Email handling — the tool drafts notes and goes beyond that to suggest next steps
• Personalized responses that adapt to the user’s tone and style
• Integration with the full Hive workspace suite

Buzz is not just a generic assistant, but a 24/7 workplace intern, the company says.

In Beta, Buzz has drafted 54,300 emails and created 105,200 next steps.

Presumably, it would be useful in B2B sales. "I have not written an email in six weeks,” says John Furneaux, CEO of Hive.