Google has introduced a suite of new generative AI features into Gmail, including a new "AI Inbox" tab designed to personalize email management and enhance search. This rollout also consolidates existing AI functionalities, making some available to all users, while discontinuing the dedicated Gemini side panel for certain subscribers in the United States.
Introduction of AI Inbox
Google has integrated new generative AI tools into Gmail, introducing an "AI Inbox" tab. This feature is currently in a beta testing phase, accessible to "trusted testers" and compatible with consumer Gmail accounts. The AI Inbox aims to present an AI-generated overview of tasks and topics derived from inbox content, rather than a traditional email list.
AI Inbox Functionality
The AI Inbox tab processes user emails to generate suggested action items, such as rescheduling appointments, responding to requests, or paying upcoming fees. It also presents a list of important topics derived from emails. Each suggested item and topic includes a link back to the original email for context and verification. The system is also capable of incorporating archived conversations.
Planned future enhancements for AI Inbox include:
- A mechanism to mark suggested items as completed.
- Quick-reply buttons.
- AI-drafted replies.
- Integration with Google Calendar for meeting suggestions.
- The capability for users to instruct AI Inbox to monitor emails from specific contacts.
Expanded Gemini Features in Gmail
Coinciding with the AI Inbox announcement, Google has made several Gemini features previously exclusive to paying subscribers available to all Gmail users. These include:
- The "Help Me Write" tool, which generates emails based on user prompts.
- "AI Overviews for email threads," providing summarized versions of long message threads.
Subscribers to Google's Ultra and Pro plans, which begin at $20 per month, will receive two additional new features in their Gmail inbox:
- An AI proofreading tool offering suggestions for grammar and sentence structure improvements.
- Comprehensive "AI Overviews" that search an entire inbox to create relevant summaries on specific topics, extending beyond single email threads.
Discontinuation of Gemini Side Panel
Google has discontinued the Gemini side panel for AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the United States. The company stated this change aims to simplify AI usage directly within Gmail through "in-line AI experiences."
Previously, the Gemini side panel, accessible via an icon in the top-right corner on the web, offered various functionalities:
- Summarizing email threads.
- Suggesting email responses.
- Drafting emails.
- Locating information within past emails and Google Drive files.
- Accessing and creating Google Calendar events.
Many of these functionalities are now integrated into the new in-line AI experiences. The "Help Me Write" feature remains unchanged, while "Proofread" has been updated for improved spelling, grammar, and style checks. "Suggested Replies" now incorporate the context of email threads, and "AI Overviews" can summarize longer email threads.
The Gemini side panel has been removed from the web version of personal Gmail accounts that have received these new features. Its availability on Android mobile platforms and for Google Workspace plans remains unchanged.
AI Reliability and Privacy Measures
Google acknowledges that its AI models, including Gemini, "can make mistakes" when processing inbox information. Regarding user privacy, Google has stated that information processed by AI tools within inboxes will not be utilized to train its foundational AI models. Blake Barnes, Vice President of Product for Gmail, indicated that a secure privacy architecture was specifically developed for this feature. Users retain the option to disable Gmail's new AI tools.
Early Tester Observations
An early tester who maintains a highly organized email system reported initial observations of the AI Inbox. The tester noted that the AI Inbox could fill the screen, requiring scrolling on a 13-inch laptop, in contrast to their traditional inbox which displayed fewer items. The system also made some relevance assessments, such as suggesting tasks already planned or topics actively discussed offline. Blake Barnes stated that the company observes users utilizing AI Inbox as a supplementary tool to their existing email workflow.