Google is launching “Gemini for Google Workspace,” a new AI-enhanced tool designed to streamline email management and boost workplace productivity. Set to debut on November 21 in multiple languages, the Gemini sidebar allows employees to prioritize emails, summarize conversations, and draft responses efficiently. It also integrates with Google Docs for content generation. Companies will incur additional costs for this service, yet it promises significant time savings, with broader access expected in the future.
Each day at the office can bring dread for some employees, especially when faced with a daunting “73 unread emails” notification. This overwhelming number can consume significant time as they sift through to find important messages, catch up on group discussions, and respond appropriately. While it may seem like time wasted on trivial tasks, it’s a reality many must confront.
In an effort to alleviate this common issue, Google has unveiled an enhanced version of Gmail tailored for professionals. After months of testing in the United States, where 100,000 companies embraced generative AI, Google is set to launch “Gemini for Google Workspace” in France and several other countries on November 21. This rollout will support languages including French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish. The new program introduces a chatbot that integrates seamlessly with professional tools, designed to streamline tasks and improve productivity.
Revolutionizing Google Services with the Gemini Sidebar
Imagine an employee overwhelmed by their inbox. The Gemini sidebar, appearing as a chat interface on the right side of the screen, has the potential to completely transform their workday.
Upon arriving at the office, an employee could simply ask Gemini, “please prioritize my important emails.” Gemini would then swiftly analyze the 73 unread messages and highlight only the crucial ones. Next, they might request, “summarize my team conversation.” In response, Gemini would dissect the conversation and outline each participant’s contributions. Following this, they could inquire, “what’s expected of me?” and then ask, “draft a response confirming my attendance at the 2 PM meeting.” This entire process could be accomplished without the need to wade through every email.
Google also showcased its ability to generate content in Google Docs directly from notes. By simply asking the Gemini sidebar to review their emails, users can receive a structured outline for upcoming documents. The brilliance of Gemini for Workplace lies in its access to all files stored within a collaborator’s Google Drive, distinguishing it from generic chatbots like ChatGPT or Perplexity. Responses are customized to reflect actual activities, and Google assures that user account data is not utilized for AI training. Additionally, Gemini can refine spelling and grammar or check the calendar for scheduling conflicts.
Currently, Google’s AI capabilities allow for the creation of documents and spreadsheets, with future updates promising to generate presentations, create images, and summarize Google Meet conferences—features initially available only in English.
Moreover, Google plans to introduce “Gems,” a feature that competes with OpenAI’s GPTs. These are shareable micro-conversations designed to address specific inquiries across a team. For instance, an “HR” Gem could clarify salary and leave policies, a “policy” Gem might outline office regulations regarding pets, and a “planning” Gem could help manage team availability. This flexibility allows companies to create tailored chatbots that answer targeted questions.
To utilize Gemini for Workplace, companies will incur additional costs.
Alongside the standard Workplace subscription—which provides employees with necessary storage and collaborative tools—businesses must pay an extra 20 euros monthly per user for the Business version (which includes 1,000 queries per month) or 30 euros for the Enterprise version, which offers all features upfront. Companies can also explore free trials or equip select employees to assess the feature’s impact on productivity.
Gemini’s Arrival on Gmail and the Google Suite for the General Public Requires Payment
What’s the reason behind charging for the Gemini integration in Google services?
For Google, this move serves as an opportunity to introduce a more premium subscription, promising substantial time savings for businesses. Research indicates that employees using Gemini could interact with it for approximately 105 minutes each week, aligning with the growing interest among businesses to “embrace AI technology.”
In the meantime, anyone can experiment with the Gemini sidebar, even without a company subscription.
Google has incorporated this new feature into its Google One AI Premium subscription, priced at 22 euros per month, granting access to the latest Gemini Advanced models along with 2 TB of storage. Subscribers enjoy the same capabilities as professional users, with broader access anticipated in the future. It’s likely that by the next Google I/O event in May 2025, the platform will be available to a wider audience. Currently, the Gemini chatbot remains free for all users.