Google has announced the launch of the AI Inbox feature in Gmail, powered by the Gemini model to analyze incoming emails and generate summaries of key topics and tasks. This development marks Gmail's transition into the so-called "Gemini era".
The AI Inbox automatically creates a list of essential actions and important topics based on the context of the messages in the user's inbox. The system identifies tasks from the content of the emails and provides quick access to messages that require attention. Each suggestion links to a specific email, allowing users to review its content and context.
Google emphasizes that these new tools are designed to reduce email overload and simplify daily email tasks. The AI Inbox complements existing Gemini features in Gmail, including automatic summaries of lengthy email threads and assistance with composing emails.
The company highlights that the AI functionalities in Gmail are developed with privacy considerations in mind. Data from users' inboxes is not utilized to train the foundational AI models, and users can disable AI tools in the service settings. However, Google warns that AI systems can make mistakes and advises users to verify the suggested actions.
Along with the launch of AI Inbox, Google has made several AI features based on Gemini available to all Gmail users, which were previously exclusive to paid Workspace plans. This includes the Help Me Write tool that allows users to create or edit emails based on text prompts, as well as AI Overviews for email threads that automatically generate concise summaries of long conversations without needing to scroll through the entire message history.
Additionally, Gemini can now assist with information retrieval in the inbox, respond to queries like "what is this email about" or "what needs to be done", and summarize individual messages without manual command initiation. All these capabilities are integrated directly into the Gmail interface and operate in the background.
However, advanced tools such as stylistic text editing, deep AI search across the entire inbox, and creation of thematic summaries from multiple emails remain available only to subscribers of Google Pro and Ultra plans.
The AI Inbox is currently being rolled out gradually and is in the beta testing phase.