If you’ve been looking to access Google’s advanced AI tools within Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Meet, and other Workspace apps, there’s good news. Previously, these features were locked behind the Gemini Business plan at an additional $20 per user per month. However, as of Tuesday, Google has made these AI tools available to all Workspace users at no extra cost. This move reflects Google’s ongoing competition with Microsoft, OpenAI, and others in creating the ultimate AI-powered office suite.
There is a trade-off, though: Google is increasing the base price of its Workspace plans. According to Jerry Dischler, Google’s President of Cloud Applications, companies will see an approximate $2 increase per user per month. While subscription prices previously started at $12 per month, they now begin at $14. Exact pricing may vary due to differing contracts.
What’s Included in Workspace AI?
The updated Workspace AI tools bring powerful features to enhance productivity. These include:
- Email summaries in Gmail for quick insights.
- AI-powered spreadsheet designs and video creation tools.
- An automated note-taker for meetings.
- The robust NotebookLM research assistant for in-depth research.
- Advanced writing assistance tools across Workspace apps.
- Access to the Gemini AI bot, Google’s flagship AI tool. Gemini not only functions as a chatbot but also enables users to search and analyze information across their documents and apps.
Dischler emphasizes that Google’s AI ecosystem is one of the most vertically integrated in the market. By removing the additional costs, Google aims to make these tools more accessible, addressing a common hurdle for many companies: budget constraints. “Most companies hesitate to adopt AI due to high costs,” says Dischler. “Now, they can explore the value AI brings without that financial barrier.”
The Bigger Picture
Google’s decision comes as part of a broader trend in the tech industry. In November, Microsoft also began rolling out its Copilot Pro AI features, previously available as a $20 upgrade, at no additional cost to certain Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers in select regions. This highlights a larger strategic push by tech giants to introduce users to AI tools, gain market share, and shape the future of office productivity.
By integrating these features into standard plans, companies like Google and Microsoft are betting that the initial cost of making AI widely accessible will pay off in the long run. This shift marks a pivotal moment as organizations and individuals learn to leverage AI for more efficient and innovative workflows.