Google Workspace and Gemini: What’s Changing and Why It Matters

Exciting news! Google Workspace is getting a major upgrade with the integration of Gemini, Google's cutting-edge AI technology. This means more power and efficiency for your business, all within your familiar Workspace tools. Here's a breakdown of the key changes and what they mean for you:

Gemini is Now Standard in Workspace:

Previously, advanced AI features like “Help me write” in Gmail or “Summarize conversations” in Chat were part of a separate add-on called “Gemini for Google Workspace.” Now, these powerful capabilities are being integrated directly into most Workspace Business and Enterprise plans. This means you can access the latest generative AI tools without needing to purchase any extra add-ons.

Enhanced AI Features:

Gemini brings a host of new AI features to your favorite Workspace apps. Here are a few highlights:

Gmail: Smart Compose, Side Panel, Contextual Smart Replies
Chat: Side Panel, Summarize Conversations, Automatic Translation
Meet: Take Notes for Me, Studio Sound/Look/Lighting, Watermarking, Adaptive Audio, Translated Captions, Generate a Background
Docs: Side Panel, Help Me Write, Help Me Create an Image, Summarize a Document
Sheets: Side Panel, Enhanced Smart Fill
Slides: Side Panel, Help Me Create an Image, Remove Image Backgrounds
Drive: Side Panel, Analyze PDF Files

Why This Matters for Your Business:

These changes mean you’ll have access to powerful AI tools that can significantly boost productivity and innovation within your teams. Gemini can help you:

Automate tasks: Let AI handle mundane tasks like writing emails, summarizing meetings, or generating reports.
Improve communication: Get help with writing, translation, and generating creative content.
Gain insights: Analyze data more efficiently and make better decisions.
Enhance collaboration: Work together more effectively with AI-powered tools.

With Gemini in Google Workspace you can save 105 minutes per week. This is the outcome of a large survey among Gemini for Workspace users. With features and capabilities like Help me write, auto-complete, and streamlined app development, AI in Google Workspace helps users work smarter and faster.

Let’s calculate that for you…

Saved time (per year): 45,500 hrs
Saved (per year): €1,228,500
Equal to 22 extra FTEs

Based on 500 employees and an average €27 hourly wage.

Important Dates

By now, the additional Gemini features are added to Google Workspace Business (from January 15) and Enterprise (from January 29, 2025) plans. To reflect the added value of these integrated AI features, Google is adjusting the pricing for some Workspace plans starting March 17, 2025. New pricing will apply at March 17, 2025. If you renew your contract before this date or if you want to switch to Google Workspace before March 17, the old pricing is still valid, and you will be able to use the added Gemini features.

What does it mean for you?

I have Gemini for Workspace licenses: You will no longer be charged for the add-on after January 31, 2025. New pricing will apply at March 17, 2025 but not for your existing contract if you have committed to an Annual/Fixed-Term plan.
I don’t have Gemini for Workspace licenses: The best of Google AI features will now be included in your Google Workspace Business or Enterprise plans!

How do I enable/disable these features?

The default setting for all Gemini features in Google Workspace is ‘on’. Admins can control the features from the Admin Panel, clicking ‘Generative AI’ from the left sidebar and navigating to ‘Gemini for Google Workspace settings’.

Ready to Explore the Future of Work?

At NextNovate, we’re excited about the potential of Gemini to revolutionize your workflow. We’ve developed concrete, highly detailed enablement plans to help your organization benefit the most from this added AI. These plans can be tailor-made for your specific needs and goals, ensuring you optimally leverage these new features. Plan a call with us for more information and to discuss a personalized enablement strategy!

Next Steps:

Explore the new features: Start using the new AI capabilities in your Workspace apps.
Review the pricing updates: Understand how the changes will affect your subscription.
Enable your teams: Not everybody in your organization is familiar with the newly acquired AI capabilities. Now’s the time to create an action plan to enable your colleagues to benefit from Gemini in Workspace. NextNovate can help you with this.