Google is rolling out new features across its popular apps, including updates to Gmail’s Gemini side panel and a fresh look for Google Maps. These changes aim to improve user experience and provide better integration between services.

Gmail’s Gemini Side Panel Gets Google Calendar Integration

Initially, the Gemini side panel in Gmail integrated with Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Now, Google is adding Google Calendar to the mix, allowing users to manage their schedules directly within Gmail. This feature provides an intuitive way to handle calendar events through conversational commands.

Key Features of Gemini’s Calendar Integration:

• Event Creation via Conversation: Users can create calendar events using natural language. For example:
  • “When is my first meeting next week?”
  • “Create a 30-minute calendar event for my weekly yoga class every Monday and Wednesday at 9 AM.”
  • “Schedule a 1-hour lunch tomorrow at noon.”
• Automatic Recognition: There’s no need to add @Calendar to your request, but doing so explicitly invokes the service.
• Availability: The update will roll out over the next few weeks for users on the following paid tiers:
  • Gemini Business
  • Gemini Enterprise
  • Gemini Education and Education Premium
  • Google One AI Premium

Current Limitations:

While the new integration is a significant enhancement, there are still some limitations to be aware of:

• You cannot add or remove guests from events through the Gemini panel.
• Extracting event details from emails, such as attachments or RSVPs, is not yet supported.
• It cannot automatically find the best meeting times with others or suggest available time slots.
• Tasks creation, setting out-of-office status, focus times, and working locations are not yet supported.
• Managing meeting rooms directly from the side panel is unavailable.

Google Maps Gets a Fresh Teal Accent

Google Maps is also receiving a visual update. Historically, the app has used a blue accent color for its buttons and icons. However, a recent change brings a teal accent to the user interface.

Teal Accent Changes:

• The teal color now appears in the bottom navigation bar and on primary action buttons, such as Directions, Start, and other key functions.
• This change has been spotted in the latest screenshots and announcements shared by Google, indicating a broader visual update.
• The teal accent provides a softer look compared to Google’s usual color palette of blue, red, yellow, and green.

Design Updates in Google Maps:

• This color change follows several other design tweaks, including:
  • Moving the weather widget to a more accessible position in the bottom sheet.
  • Simplifying the bottom navigation bar, reducing it to just three main tabs.
• The update is a server-side change, meaning it may not be visible to all users immediately on Android or iOS. The rollout is gradual and expected to expand over time.

Why the Teal Color Change?

Google hasn’t officially explained why they chose this more muted teal shade over their standard blue accent. It could be a move towards a more cohesive design language across its services or a test for user preference.

Lack of Dynamic Color Integration:

Despite this update, Google Maps still does not support Android’s Dynamic Color theming, which adapts app colors based on the device’s wallpaper. The lack of this feature may disappoint users who prefer a more personalized interface.

Conclusion

These updates to Gmail and Google Maps highlight Google’s ongoing efforts to enhance user experience through deeper integration and fresh design changes.

• Gmail’s Gemini side panel now offers a seamless way to manage your Google Calendar, making scheduling easier and more efficient for users on paid tiers.
• Google Maps is moving towards a cleaner, more streamlined look with its new teal accent, aligning its visuals with recent design trends.

Users can expect more updates and improvements as Google continues to refine its suite of applications. Keep an eye out for these changes rolling out over the coming weeks.

These improvements signify Google’s commitment to evolving its services, ensuring a smoother experience across its ecosystem.