Google has introduced its latest AI-powered feature, Gemini, to Gmail, enhancing email management with faster replies and concise summaries. This upgrade incorporates an AI sidebar in Gmail’s web version, designed to streamline email threads and assist users in drafting responses efficiently.
The Gemini AI feature uses Google’s advanced Gemini 1.5 Pro model, capable of offering proactive prompts and answering user inquiries in natural language. Mobile Gmail users will also benefit from Gemini’s email summarization capabilities, providing quick insights without scrolling through lengthy conversations.
Gemini’s Key Functionalities in Gmail
Gemini delivers three primary functions designed to optimize email interaction:
- Summarize this email – Instantly condenses complex email threads into digestible summaries.
- List the next steps – Highlights actionable items and tasks that follow from the email conversation.
- Suggest a reply – Recommends relevant response templates for users to save time composing emails.
Currently, these features are accessible only to a limited group of users as part of ongoing testing. Access requires a subscription to Google Workspace with add-ons such as Gemini Business, Enterprise, Education, or the Google One AI Premium plan.
Integration Across Google Products
Google is expanding Gemini beyond Gmail. The AI sidebar is being integrated into Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive. This broad rollout aims to provide users with similar AI-assisted experiences, improving productivity across Google’s suite of tools. Google has announced that these capabilities will gradually become available to all users.
On Android devices, Gemini is set to appear via a dedicated button in the Gmail app. This feature will enable email summarization and even direct question-and-answer interactions within the app interface. Reports indicate the update is present in Gmail for Android version 2024.05.26.638440827 and will be released to a wider audience soon.
Enhancing AI Conversations with Memory
Alongside Gmail improvements, Google unveiled an upcoming ‘Memory’ feature for Gemini’s chatbot AI. This function allows Gemini to recall user-specific details to enable smoother, context-aware dialogues in future interactions. Google plans to launch this feature imminently as part of broader AI enhancements.
Subscription and Availability
These advanced AI features are available to paying members only. Google Workspace customers can access Gemini by subscribing to certain plans that cost an additional fee, translated into USD currency, depending on the tier. Google One users upgrading to AI Premium will also gain access to Gemini’s capabilities.
By embedding Gemini AI in Gmail and other key applications, Google aims to reduce email overload and improve response efficiency. This initiative reflects the growing integration of AI technologies into everyday productivity tools, setting a new standard for email management and digital communication.
