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Google is enhancing its AI capabilities across its suite of productivity applications by rolling out new features in its Gemini model.
Recently, the tech giant revealed updates to its Workspace tools, introducing features like Audio Overviews alongside refined tracking mechanisms for meetings.
Audio Overviews, initially launched with Google’s NotebookLM, provide users the ability to create audio podcasts centered on specific research topics. Now, utilizing Gemini, individuals can generate audio files derived from their uploaded documents and presentations. This feature extends to deep research reports, allowing for the creation of downloadable, podcast-style audio that is generated based on the contents of the provided materials.
In earlier discussions, Google indicated to VentureBeat that some users exhibit a preference for auditory learning, citing that information delivered in a conversational manner is particularly appealing.
Additionally, Google introduced Canvas, a new feature under the Gemini project. This tool enables users to draft and refine text or code with the aid of the Gemini model, which assists in generating, optimizing, and previewing code. Notably, Canvas documents are compatible for sharing within Google Docs.
Streamlined Calendar Functionality
The firm has also improved event and meeting scheduling in Google Calendar. With Gemini’s capabilities, the system can recognize email communications containing event information, prompting users to incorporate these details into their calendars. Moreover, if users overlook potential appointments, the model can highlight such emails for easy retrieval.
Some existing plugins, like Boomerang, provide similar appointment recognition features by prominently displaying events above email subject lines. The new Gemini functionality will also launch a chat window, notifying users of upcoming events.
Using AI models to extract data or significant dates from emails is becoming increasingly common among enterprise AI assistants. For instance, Microsoft has developed agents that analyze emails to gather relevant information, while the startup Martin AI offers a dedicated assistant for managing calendars, emails, and to-do lists.
Integrating Generative AI with Productivity Tools
Last year, Google incorporated Gemini chat into its Workspace, merging it with Gmail, Google Docs, and Calendar functionalities. This move increases competition with Microsoft’s Copilot, which has similarly integrated AI models into its productivity applications, including Outlook.
As more enterprises adopt AI features into their workflows, the likelihood of employees accessing tools like Gemini within their Gmail accounts and utilizing AI-driven research assistance could notably accelerate AI adoption across various sectors.
Source
venturebeat.com