New Delhi: 

The idea is simple: imagine asking tough workplace questions and getting answers that sound like they came directly from someone who’s spent years writing and speaking on the subject. Except it’s not the real Kim Scott, but an AI version powered by Google’s Gemini model. The feature is currently available in the U.S. for users above 18.

Google has launched a new AI experiment called Portraits, and it’s already drawing attention for how it blends human advice with artificial intelligence. The feature lets users interact with digital avatars of real-world experts trained on their actual words and insights. The first version is built around Kim Scott, author of the book Radical Candor.

How Google Portraits works

“Portraits, a new experiment from Google Labs, lets you interact conversationally with AI representations of trusted experts, built in partnership with the experts themselves,” Google said. “Our first Portrait features Kim Scott, bestselling author of Radical Candor, and offers AI-powered coaching inspired by her renowned communication and leadership principles.”

Unlike other AI chatbots that can go off track or mix sources, Portraits stays locked into the expert’s own area of work. This makes the experience a bit more focused, especially for users who want advice on specific issues without reading an entire book or watching a series of talks.

When users talk to a Portrait, they’re really speaking to an AI system that’s been trained using content created by the expert. In Kim Scott’s case, the model pulls responses based on her work in leadership, feedback, and workplace communication. The avatar responds in her voice and tone, using her actual advice as its source.

Meta is exploring similar ideas

Interestingly, Meta is working on a similar project. Their idea is to let creators make AI versions of themselves to interact with fans. The goal is to boost engagement without increasing the workload for the actual person. Whether users feel that connection is real or useful is still an open question.

Google’s Portraits isn’t exactly trying to replace real interaction. It seems to be more about accessibility, like having a guide on tap for specific topics. It may not fully replace one-on-one advice, but it could become a helpful tool for those who just want answers, fast.

For now, the Kim Scott Portrait is live at labs.google/portraits, but access is limited to U.S. users aged 18 and above. Google is also inviting more creators to sign up if they want their own Portrait in future updates.

Built in collaboration with experts, not mimicry

Google says it created this system with the experts, not just about them. In this case, Kim Scott was involved in shaping the content and tone of her digital twin. Google says the “foundation is the creator’s authentic content, which ensures conversations stay focused on their specific areas of expertise.”

There’s also a feedback loop. The company claims it’s running continuous testing and gathering input from users to improve the experience and avoid any unwanted or awkward replies from the AI version of a real person.

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