Google adds generative AI and video creation to Workspace

Google on Tuesday rolls a number of new ones generative AI based Features for Workspace, including the ability for users to create collaborative storytelling videos.

The tech giant's moves to strengthen its workplace productivity and collaboration platform, unveiled at the Google Next '24 conference in Las Vegas, follow similar generative AI product upgrades by arch-rival Microsoft as well as rivals such as Cisco Webex.

Google against the field

Workspace, formerly G Suite, includes Gmail, Sheets, Slides, Contacts, Meet and Chat, as well as the Google Docs suite for creating and editing content. It competes directly with Microsoft 365 and office software provider Zoho, as well as collaboration and video conferencing specialists such as Cisco Webex and Zoom.

With the new generative AI additions to Workspace, Google is achieving parity with Microsoft 365 and Webex, which have already integrated and released similar capabilities, said Raul Castanon-Martinez, an analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence.

“My general feeling is that they are catching up with Microsoft and other players, although to be fair there is always a back and forth between Google and Microsoft,” he said.

Video movements, more GenAI

However, Google Vids' real-time video collaboration feature benefits from Google's deep roots in AI research and development and video expertise and may represent some advance over Microsoft, Webex and Slack's video offerings for presentation storytelling, Castanon-Martinez said .

“It’s probably an improved experience,” he said.

According to the provider, Google Vids will be released in June in Google Labs, the tech giant's program for early adopters to experiment with new technologies.

According to Aparna Pappu, vice president and general manager, the AI ​​capabilities of Google's flagship consumer language model, Gemini, are already available for use with Docs, Sheets, Slides and Gmail, allowing users to incorporate suggestions from Gemini into their Docs and E -Emails to integrate, Google Workspace.

“Next, we are continuing this momentum with the introduction of a number of new AI innovations that will make communication and collaboration much easier and more inclusive,” Pappu said during a virtual press conference on April 4.

New features include voice prompts in Gmail on mobile, an instant “preparation” feature for turning notes into a draft email in Google Meet, now in preview. In June, the company will add support for 52 new languages ​​for meeting translation, including Filipino and Korean. Workspace supports 69 languages.

Sometime later this year, Google plans to introduce automatic translation of messages and on-demand conversation summaries in Chat.

Google is also offering AI-powered meetings and messaging and a new AI-powered security feature, each for $10 per month in addition to the cost of an organization's Workspace plan.

Security and its costs

The security tool allows IT teams to automatically classify and protect sensitive files across the organization in Google Drive. According to Google, the features use AI models trained on organization-specific data.

While the security option comes at an additional cost, it could be attractive to companies that view the widespread use of workplace collaboration platforms as a fast-growing security risk.

“The security add-on will help customers feel more comfortable using AI, as security is a key concern for most organizations. However, I am surprised that there is a premium for this as security is critical to everyone,” said analyst Blair Pleasant at Commfusion.

In comparison, end-to-end encryption and enterprise security features are included in all Zoom plans. Microsoft offers what it calls Advanced Security for Microsoft 365 on all plans except the $8 per month Basic plan, which comes with “basic security.”

Pleasant said that the new Google Screenshare watermark for meetings will improve trackability of shared items, and that the new AI-powered prioritization and preview summaries are welcome features that will save office workers time.

Google also introduced Vertex AI to Workspace. Companies can extend their data and custom AI models by leveraging Vertex's AI and machine learning platform as a service to integrate workflows directly into Docs, Gmail and other workspace applications.

According to Pappu, Google Vids is an all-in-one video editing and writing production assistant.

“It sits alongside all your other productivity tools like Docs, Sheets and Slides,” she continued. “And like them, it has a simple, user-friendly interface and the ability to collaborate and share projects. All you need is a browser.”

Shaun Sutner is senior news director for TechTarget Editorial's information management team, driving coverage of artificial intelligence, unified communications, analytics and data management technologies. He is a seasoned journalist with more than 30 years of experience in the news sector.