Google Workspace AI has attracted new updates from the company. Its suite of cloud-based productivity tools with new AI capabilities reflects this development.
The suite is gaining Workspace Flows, a tool designed to automate multi-step processes such as updating spreadsheets and digging through documents for information. Flows can tap Gems, Google’s brand of custom AI-powered chatbots, to handle specialized tasks. It can also integrate with apps like Google Drive to retrieve data.
According to Yulie Kwon Kim, VP of product for Google Workspace, users only need to “simply describe what you need in plain language. Workspace Flows will then design and build sophisticated, logic-driven flows.”
He added that the company is also working with partners to connect Workspace Flows to other third-party tools you rely on. If this succeeds, it’ll enable Google Workspace AI to support workflows beyond Workspace.
Introducing these enhancements to Google Workspace AI will allow the company to compete with platforms like Microsoft 365. This is an AI-first experience. Google started by adding generative AI functionality to Workspace in March 2023. Recently, the search giant eliminated additional fees for particular AI workspace features. However, it increased the price of Workspace plans.
Another development in Google Workspace AI is evident elsewhere in Google Docs. Google Docs will soon be able to convert drafts into podcast-style overviews. It’ll also have à la NotebookLM’s Audio Overviews and revised copy snippets. An upcoming feature called “Help me refine” will offer suggestions on strengthening arguments and improving structure. Kim also mentioned that the feature will make points more straightforward.
Similarly, in Google Sheets, a new feature set to arrive later this year, “Help me analyze,” will provide guidance. It’ll also spotlight trends and help create interactive charts. In Google Meet, a “Take notes for me” tool can summarize and recap specific topics from video calls. Google Chat users can invoke Google’s Gemini chatbot by typing “@gemini” in any conversation. These additions to Google Workspace AI target improving the user experience.
Google Vids is Google’s AI-powered video creation app for work and will soon be able to generate video clips using Google’s Veo 2 model. In addition to Google Workspace AI development, Google integrates the tool with the app. The company recently added Google AI Mode Expands with Smarter Multimodal Search.
Lastly, Google said it’s introducing new data residency controls allowing customers to restrict where their data is processed to help comply with regulations such as the EU’s GDPR.
