Google Gemini e-mail searches arrive ahead of Apple Intelligence
by Malcolm Owen · AppleInsiderAfter initially adding Gemini AI-based searches to Google Workspace Gmail on Android, it's now being brought to iOS, as Google continues to build its lead on Apple Intelligence.
In August, Google added a feature that allowed Google Workspace accounts to take advantage of the tech giant's Gemini AI services in Gmail. Now, that functionality is being made available on devices like the iPhone and iPad.
Available on Google Workspace accounts, Gmail Q&A will let users make queries about the contents of their inbox, with Gemini answering prompts. The Google Workspace blog explains this can include things like viewing all unread emails or messages from a specific sender.
Gemini can also summarize emails about topics brought up in the inbox, along with other more complex queries. Users could also use Gemini to answer other more general queries, without needing to navigate to their browser.
Google adds that, while it will start with the user's inbox at first, it plans to expand Gemini to answering queries about the account's Google Drive space in the future.
The rollout to iOS Google Workspace users is taking place over the course of 15 days. It is being made available to Google Workspace customers with the Gemini Business, Enterprise, Education, Education Premium, or Google One AI Premium add-ons.
Administrators for a domain will have to enable smart features and personalization from the Admin console for it to work. End users can tap the black Gemini star in the top-right of the app, or from a "Summarize this email" button.
The Gemini changes fall into the playbook Google revealed during this summer's I/O developer conference. At the time, it said it would make Gemini understand more complex user inputs, including images and the context of their contents, and context-aware capabilities.
The addition of the features to iOS brings Google's Gemini in more direct competition with Apple Intelligence, Cupertino's attempt to enter the AI marketplace.
Apple Intelligence offers many features, including contextual understanding and summarization of communications, which Gemini also performs within Gmail. However, Apple's version uses onboard processing as much as possible, while Google instead has to rely on cloud-based processing, which is inherently less secure.
WIth the rollout of the feature to iOS, Google is bringing these Gemini-based functions to iOS quicker than Apple can. Apple Intelligence is currently being beta-tested as part of the iOS 18.1 update, which is intended to be released to the public later this fall.
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