Google is moving from the experimentation phase to the implementation phase in the field. The company began a wave of launches of artificial intelligence–based features (Gemini) for Ultra subscribers, Pro subscribers and Alpha business customers. The goal is clear: To turn the Workspace tools from empty documents into systems that know how to generate work almost from scratch, based on the information already existing within the organization.
Writing and data management without “copy–paste”
At the center of the update is the “Help me create” tool inside Google Docs. This is a draft generator that knows how to draw context from Drive, Gmail and Chat in order to create a formatted and designed document. Google has identified that more than a third of new documents today are created by copying existing files – a habit the new tool attempts to eliminate through the ability to copy writing style and format from a reference document alone.
Sheets is also receiving a significant upgrade. Instead of entering data manually, Gemini can now build an entire data sheet based on a command in natural language, while pulling the relevant information directly from the user’s emails and files. Another feature, “Fill with Gemini,” is intended to populate cells automatically – an action that Google claims is nine times faster than manual entry (a figure based on a limited internal study). In addition, Google DeepMind optimization tools have been integrated into the sheets to solve complex problems such as arranging employee shifts.
The next stage in design and search
The presentations field (Slides) has not been left behind. It is now possible to generate individual slides that automatically match the design language of the existing presentation, while the company’s ultimate goal is to enable the creation of a full presentation from a single prompt in the near future.
At the same time, Google Drive is undergoing a revolution in its search interface. Similar to the changes implemented in Gmail, users will now see “AI Overviews” in search results, alongside the “Ask Gemini” tool that allows them to ask direct questions about the content of files, emails and the calendar. While most of the updates are currently available in the English language for selected subscribers, the Drive features will initially be launched in the United States only.