Google Transforms Gmail with AI: Introducing the Gemini AI Sidebar

Google has been leading the way after launching its AI chatbot Gemini in 2023. Recently, the company announced that it will enhance the Gmail experience by adding the Gemini AI sidebar, bringing advanced AI capabilities directly to your inbox. This innovative tool is powered by Google’s latest Gemini model and is expected to streamline email workflows and improve productivity.

Google Workspace update mentioned, “In addition to the recent announcement of Gemini in the side panel for Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, and Drive, we are excited to launch the general availability of Gemini in the Gmail side panel. This release is designed to take advantage of Google’s most powerful models, including the Gemini 1.5 Pro model with longer context windows and more advanced reasoning capabilities”

Source: Google Workspace Updates

What can Gemini AI do in Gmail?

The Gemini sidebar will act as an intelligent assistant in Gmail. Here’s an overview of its features:

Easy summarization: Gemini can easily analyze email conversations and provide concise summaries to help you quickly grasp the key points.

Smarter replies: Having trouble writing the perfect reply? Gemini saves you time and effort by providing customized suggestions based on the content of your email.

Proactive Tips: Anticipate your needs! Gemini can suggest relevant actions based on the email you’re reading, such as scheduling a meeting or attaching a file.

Free-form question feature: Need to find specific information in an email? Ask Gemini directly using natural language queries.

What is the usability of Gemini AI Sidebar?

As of now, the Gemini AI sidebar is only available to paid users. The Google Workspace update mentions, “Applies to Google Workspace customers who:

  • Gemini Business and Enterprise Add-ons
  • Gemini Education and Education Premium Add-ons
  • Google One AI Premium

As a paying user, you can access it as follows:

Desktop: Look for the Ask Gemini (star button) icon in the upper right corner of the Gmail window.

Mobile devices: On the Gmail mobile app (Android and iOS), you’ll find a “Summarize this email” option in an email thread.

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