Google Workspace, the integrated productivity suite by Google, has introduced a new feature called Gemini Side Panel for Gmail users.
The Gemini side panel offers various features with Google's most capable models, including Gemini 1.5 Pro. These features can bring productivity to users, ranging from providing email thread summarization and drafting new emails, which can offer users smooth workflow within the Gmail interface.
Summary of Newly Added Functions
One of the primary features of the Gemini side panel is its ability to summarize email threads. This feature can save users valuable time by providing a concise overview of lengthy email conversations.
Additionally, the Gemini side panel enables users to draft new emails directly from the side panel, eliminating the need to switch between tabs or windows.
Gemini's proactive prompts offer “proactive prompts” based on the content of the email thread, assisting users in composing replies more efficiently. Furthermore, users can ask “freeform questions” within the Gemini side panel, allowing for a more interactive and intuitive email experience.
Limitations for Gemini Usage
However, these features are only available to paid Gemini users. In order to access the Gemini side panel, users need to be Google Workspace customers with a Gemini Business or Enterprise add-on, a Gemini Education or Education Premium add-on, or a Google One AI Premium subscriber.
It is also worth mentioning that relying solely on AI tools, even advanced ones like Gemini, might not be suggested as AI models have been known to hallucinate or generate erroneous information occasionally.
Therefore, users need to double-check important emails before sending them, regardless of the assistance provided by Gemini.
Integration of Gemini Features in Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive
In addition to Gmail, Gemini features are now available in Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive. This integration allows users to access the advanced AI capabilities of Gemini across multiple Google Workspace applications.
Announcement of Upcoming AI Features for Gmail
Google has revealed that there are still more AI features yet to come for Gmail. One of the forthcoming features is "Contextual Smart Reply," which aims to provide users with even more contextual and personalized responses.
During the Google I/O conference, Google announced its commitment to expanding Gemini functionalities within the Google Workspace suite.
The introduction of the Gemini side panel in Gmail is just the beginning, as Google aims to incorporate advanced AI capabilities into various other applications, promising a future where users can benefit from Gemini's powerful AI features across the entire Google Workspace ecosystem.