Google’s Gemini AI technology is now being implemented in Gmail, providing paid subscribers with advanced features like email summaries and suggested responses to enhance their emailing experience.
On Monday, June 23, 2024, Google announced new features in a blog post available to Google Workspace subscribers, including business and education accounts and individual consumers who opt for the $20/month Google One AI Premium plan.
According to Google, paid subscribers will gain access to AI-powered features in the Gmail website’s sidebar and a mobile app pop-up, available on both Android and iOS platforms. With the mobile option, users can tap a button to get a summary of their emails, and then ask Gemini for more help; ideas for replies or access to data stored in Google Drive.
“You’ll have the information you need to quickly reply without having to ever leave Gmail,” the company said, noting that the system is built using “Google’s most capable models,” including Gemini 1.5 Pro.
Join our WhatsApp Channel for more news
Google’s integration of AI in Gmail is a strategic move in its broader initiative to incorporate artificial intelligence across its vast portfolio of websites and services.
Google’s introduction of AI Overviews in May 2024, drew widespread criticism for perpetuating harmful content, including racist conspiracy theories and dangerous health advice, such as suggesting users add glue to pizza or eat rocks. (Don’t do either of those things.) The high-profile screw-ups are ongoing, though Google has promised to solve them.
Subscribers to Google’s productivity tools, including Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides, will now benefit from the added power of Gemini AI. On its website, the company offers a free version of Gemini that can generate basic text responses and images. (For hands-on CNET reviews of generative AI products including Gemini, Claude, ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, along with AI news, tips and explainers, see our AI Atlas resource page.)
Google keeps adding AI features to its products because it’s increasingly facing competition from across the tech industry. Other tech giants, such as Meta (Facebook’s parent company), Microsoft, and X, have also rushed to integrate AI features into their popular products, but with mixed results.
