Google Workspace Users to Receive Voice Prompts in Gmail and New Tabs Feature in Docs Soon

Google is enhancing its Workspace productivity applications with new AI-driven features. At the recent Cloud Next conference in Las Vegas, the company announced that Google Workspace subscribers will soon be able to utilize voice commands to activate the AI-powered “Help me write” feature in Gmail, making it easier to manage tasks on the go. Additionally, Google is introducing a new feature in Gmail designed to instantly transform rough drafts into polished emails.

These updates will be rolled out to paying subscribers first. In a press conference prior to Tuesday’s announcements, Google’s Aparna Pappu emphasized the company’s commitment to delivering high-utility AI features for all users, referencing successful tools like smart reply and smart compose. She stated, “As we assess how these features function and gather user feedback, we will explore expanding access to all users.”

With around 3 billion users and over 10 million paying customers, Workspace was among the pioneers of Google’s push into AI innovation.

In addition to the new AI capabilities, Google is introducing several other enhancements to the Workspace suite. For example, Sheets will now provide customizable notifications to alert users when specific fields change. There are also new templates available to streamline the creation of spreadsheets.

Furthermore, Docs, Google's cloud-based word processor, is adding tab support, allowing users to organize information within a single document rather than linking multiple documents or sifting through Drive. This feature will be particularly beneficial for those who typically merge several documents into one extensive file. Docs is also set to include full-bleed cover images, enhancing visual appeal. For larger organizations using Workspace, Chat will now accommodate up to 500,000 members, and thanks to Google’s collaboration with Mio, users can now enjoy messaging interoperability with Slack and Teams.