Google Workspace embraces AI with full Gemini integration, ushering in a new era of productivity

The way we work is constantly evolving, and technology plays a pivotal role in shaping that evolution. Google, recognizing the transformative power of artificial intelligence, is making a significant shift by fully integrating its Gemini AI model into Google Workspace. This isn’t just a minor upgrade; it’s a fundamental change in how Google envisions the future of productivity.  

Previously, accessing the full potential of Gemini within Workspace required an additional subscription, creating a tiered system where advanced AI features were reserved for those willing to pay extra. This approach is now being replaced with a more inclusive model. The complete Gemini experience is becoming a core component of Workspace Business and Enterprise plans, marking a departure from the traditional add-on structure.

This strategic move by Google underscores its belief that AI is no longer a supplementary tool but rather a foundational element of modern work. By embedding Gemini directly into Workspace, Google aims to empower users with intelligent assistance across various applications, streamlining workflows and unlocking new levels of efficiency. This also positions Google competitively against other platforms that maintain a per-user, per-month pricing model for similar AI functionalities. 

So, what exactly does this full Gemini integration entail? Workspace Business (Standard and) and Enterprise users will gain access to a suite of AI-powered features across their favorite applications:

• Gmail: Gemini will offer a side panel for quick Q&A, assist with writing emails, provide contextual smart replies, and summarize lengthy threads.

  Drive: The Gemini side panel will offer intelligent file management and assistance.

  Docs: Users can leverage Gemini’s help with writing and creating documents, streamlining the content creation process.

  Sheets: Gemini will assist with organizing data, enhancing smart fill capabilities, and providing data-driven insights.

• Slides: Gemini will help create images, remove backgrounds, and enhance presentations.

  Meet: Gemini will automatically take notes during meetings, create virtual backgrounds, and enhance audio and video quality with Studio Look/Sound.

  Chat: The Gemini side panel will assist within chat conversations.

Beyond these core applications, users will also gain access to Google Vids and NotebookLM Plus with team-sharing capabilities, further enhancing collaboration and knowledge management. Furthermore, users will have access to Gemini Advanced with 1.5 Pro and the ability to create custom Gems.

Even the entry-level Workspace Business Starter plan, with its 30GB storage limit, will receive access to the Gemini side panel in Gmail, a standard version of Gemini, and a basic version of NotebookLM.

Crucially, Google has emphasized its commitment to data privacy and security. User data, prompts, and generated responses will not be used to train Gemini models outside of their domain without explicit permission. 

This comprehensive integration of Gemini into Workspace comes with a price adjustment. While all Workspace tiers will see a slight price increase, Google has provided an example illustrating the potential cost savings. A customer previously paying for Workspace Business Standard with the Gemini Business add-on would pay significantly less under the new pricing structure, despite gaining access to a more comprehensive suite of AI features.

The new pricing is effective immediately for new customers. Existing customers with monthly subscriptions will see the updated pricing starting March 17, 2025, or at their next renewal date for annual or fixed-term plans. Notably, very small business customers are exempt from these price changes at this time and will still receive the new Gemini features.

The rollout of these Gemini features has already begun for Workspace customers, preceding the price increase. Workspace Business customers can anticipate features like the Gemini side panel, “Help me write,” “Take notes for me,” Gemini Advanced, and NotebookLM Plus to appear in their accounts in the coming days. The rollout for Workspace Enterprise will begin at the end of the month, allowing administrators time to adjust settings.

In conjunction with this integration, Google is discontinuing the separate Gemini Business, Gemini Enterprise, AI Meetings and Messaging, and AI Security add-ons. There are no immediate changes planned for Workspace Individual, Education, Google Workspace for Nonprofit, or consumer accounts.

Google Home Expands Compatibility with Nest Protect and Matter Smart Locks

The Google Home ecosystem is expanding its reach with the introduction of support for Nest Protect smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, as well as Matter-certified smart locks. This expansion brings enhanced home safety and convenience to Google Home users.

The integration with Nest Protect allows users to:

• Receive emergency and heads-up notifications for smoke and carbon monoxide.
• Get critical status alerts regarding battery health and device issues.
• View alarm history and run system-wide safety checkups.
• Schedule automatic sound check testing.
• Modify system and alarm settings.
• View camera live feeds directly from the emergency alarm card.
• Access E911 calling for Nest Aware subscribers in the US.

This deeper integration with Nest Protect provides a centralized hub for managing home safety, empowering users with real-time information and control.

Furthermore, Google Home is embracing the Matter standard by adding support for compatible smart locks. This allows users to:

• Receive lock notifications.
• Manage passcodes, including setting household access, editing passcodes, creating guest profiles, and adding labels.
• Control various settings, such as one-tap entry, automatic locking, vacation mode, and one-touch locking.

Google notes that not all listed lock features will be compatible with every third-party Matter lock.

This Nest Protect and Matter smart lock support is currently available through the Google Home Public Preview program, initially rolling out to the Android app (version 3.27+) with iOS support to follow.

Google Play Store Streamlines Core System App Listings to Combat Review Bombing

The Google Play Store is constantly evolving, and a recent change has been observed in how core system apps are displayed. This change, while seemingly a reduction in features, aims to address the issue of unfair review bombing.

A recent update to the Play Store introduced a simplified version of app listing pages for certain core system apps. These minimal listings display only essential information: the app’s name and icon, the developer, a call-to-action button, and a brief description. Gone are the reviews, ratings, support information, and related app carousels.

These streamlined listings are not accessible through standard Play Store searches but rather through external links or within the Pending Downloads section during app updates.

The purpose of this change is likely to mitigate the impact of uninformed reviews on core system apps. Users who don’t fully understand the function of these apps sometimes leave negative reviews simply because they notice the app on their devices. This can lead to a cycle of mistrust and even prompt users to uninstall crucial updates.

By simplifying the app details page, Google hopes to reduce this unwarranted criticism. However, this also places a greater emphasis on developers to provide clear and concise explanations of their apps and their importance to the device’s functionality. Educating users is key to preventing misunderstandings and fostering trust.