Google Offers Free AI Features in Gmail and Docs, While Increasing Subscription Costs
Google made a major shift in its Workspace suite, which earlier required users to pay an additional $20 monthly for the Gemini Business plan to access its AI features in Sheets, Docs, Gmail, and more.
On Tuesday, this access became free, marking a bold move in the competition against Microsoft, OpenAI, and others in the race to create the ultimate AI-driven office suite.
However, there is a twist, while Google is reducing the extra charge for AI features, it is simultaneously increasing the prices of all Workspace plans. Jerry Dischler, Google’s president of cloud applications, revealed that companies can expect to pay about $2 more per user monthly. Users would have to pay more to access the AI-enhanced Worksapce as compared to previous rates.
Although the exact figures may vary because of complex contacts, the base subscription price has shifted from $12 to $14 monthly. The AI capabilities within the Workspace are impressive as it offers plenty of interesting features.
The features include summaries in Gamil, a note-taking assistant for meetings, automated design generation for spreadsheets and videos, writing tools across different applications, and the advanced NotebookLM research assistant.
Users will also get access to the Gemini bot which is Google’s most potent AI tool. It not only performs standard chatbot functions but assists in information retrieval and comprehensive searches across user data as well.
Dischler has emphasized that Google stands out as the most vertically integrated AI product available, but its success hinges on user engagement with the entire system. He explains, “When we speak to companies about AI, the primary barrier is often cost. They approach it cautiously, thinking, This is a significant investment; let’s validate its worth. Now, with AI included, the value is clear.”He also notes that the development roadmaps for various apps are evolving rapidly with the new features set to roll out soon.