Google has integrated “Gems,” customizable iterations of its Gemini AI assistant, directly into Google Workspace applications. This integration allows users to access these specialized AI tools within Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, Drive, and Gmail side panels, eliminating the need to open the dedicated Gemini app.
Google stated in its announcement that “Gems can help you further leverage the power of Gemini in a way that’s customized to your needs more efficiently by minimizing repetitive prompting.” These AI assistants can be tailored as “experts” for specific tasks, ranging from brand-tailored copywriting to exam revision. Users can upload personal files to provide Gems with task-specific context and resources. Google also offers pre-made Gems for functions such as text editing, code generation, and sales pitch idea formulation.
Google outlines several applications for Gems within Workspace:
- Copywriting Gem: Utilized to generate posts and content specifically tailored for a target audience, with pre-loaded information.
- Sales Interaction Gem: Designed to assist with sales interactions, grounded in information pertinent to a specific company, prospect, or industry.
- Assistant Gem: Tailored to individual job roles, providing relevant summaries and content for internal communications.
- Content Pressure Test Gem: Engineered to evaluate content from a specific persona, such as C-Suite or CEO, to enhance message compellingness.
Previously, Gems were exclusively accessible within the Gemini app. While custom Gems cannot be created directly within Workspace applications, users can initiate creation by visiting gemini.google.com/gems/create or selecting the “Create a new Gem” option in the Workspace side panel. Both custom and pre-made Gems support Workspace functionalities, including @-mentioning and access to files and folders.
This update is available to all Google Workspace users with access to Gemini in Workspace app side panels. The rollout commenced on July 2nd; however, Google indicated that full deployment “may potentially take longer than 15 days.”
