Gmail has introduced AI-powered summaries to help users save time when reading long emails. This feature offers concise recaps of email conversations, enabling users to manage their inboxes more efficiently without wading through lengthy threads.
The new feature is part of the Gemini side panel on the web and is now being rolled out to Gmail for Android and iOS, specifically targeting paid customers. The integration promises a streamlined email experience, particularly beneficial for users who handle numerous email threads daily.
A screenshot shared by 9-to-5 Gmail reveals that the summarizing feature activates when there are at least two responses in a conversation thread. This makes it particularly useful for summarizing extended discussions and ensuring important points are not overlooked.
When users tap the Summarize button, a summary is generated in seconds, presented in bullet points on a sheet that slides up from the bottom of the screen.
Although the current version does not include a field for follow-up prompts, this feature may be introduced with the upcoming launch of Gmail Q&A. Users can swipe down on the sheet to view recent summaries, and the interface can be expanded for easier viewing.
The Summarize feature is rolling out starting today and will be fully available in the coming weeks. In addition to Summarize, Google plans to launch Gmail Q&A and Contextual Smart Reply next month, further enhancing the email experience. These upcoming features aim to provide even more tools to manage and respond to emails efficiently.
Gemini is also introducing a new Side Panel feature for web Gmail, powered by Gemini 1.5 Pro. This AI-powered Side Panel can summarize email threads, suggest responses, help draft emails, and assist in finding specific information from emails within the inbox or from Google Drive files.
Users can access these features by tapping the Gemini sparkle icon in the top-right corner, triggering proactive prompts for assistance.
The Gemini tools extend beyond Gmail, offering functionalities in various Google Workspace applications:
Docs: Assists with writing and refining content, summarizing information, brainstorming ideas, and creating content based on other files.
Gmail: Summarizes email threads, suggests responses, helps draft emails, and finds specific information from emails or Google Drive files.
Drive: Summarizes documents, provides quick facts about projects, and conducts in-depth research on topics.
Slides: Generates new slides, creates custom images, summarizes presentations, and more.
Sheets: Helps track and organize data, create tables, generate formulas, and provide guidance on performing specific tasks.
Both the Summarize feature and the Gemini side panel are available for users with the Gemini Business and Enterprise add-on, Gemini Education and Education Premium add-on, and Google One AI Premium. This rollout promises to make email management more efficient, allowing users to focus on more critical tasks.