- Google has announced a slew of new AI features coming to its Workspace apps.
- Starting with Google Docs, you will soon be able to use audio overviews to create Notebook-LM style podcasts from a document.
- Docs and Sheets also get new “Help me refine” and “Help me analyze” options to improve your workflow.
Ever since Google rolled out the Audio Overview to NotebookLM last year, the world has been hooked into creating custom AI podcasts . Besides NotebookLM, the podcasts feature is also accessible inside the Gemini app and now Google is expanding it to its Workspace suite of apps, including Google Docs.
In a blog post shared earlier today, Google has announced that it’s adding a bunch of new Gemini features to Workspace apps. The biggest highlight of this update is the addition of the AI Audio overviews to Google Docs, meaning you’ll soon be able to create podcasts from a document . The app will offer a way to have Gemini read out text from your files and share insights about them. Google says this feature will come to alpha testing in a few weeks ‘ time.
Docs is also getting some AI writing help in the form of a new Help me refine option. This will suggest improvements to your written piece to make it clearer and more structured. Personally, I feel it would be a good alternative to getting Gemini to rewrite your texts. Instead, it could help you communicate better. The feature may, however, arrive much later, since it’s expected to be available in alpha “ later this quarter “.
Besides that, Google has announced Workspace Flows for automating multi-step processes using AI to “research, analyze, and generate content”. Google Sheets is also getting some AI treatment in the form of a Help me analyze tool. As the name suggests, it’ll offer counsel on your spreadsheets and give you pointers to improve them.
Google has been going all in by integrating Gemini across all of its services, killing Google Assistant in the process. NotebookLM itself has been a breakout feature for many users. Its demand has necessitated the need for a dedicated app that’s coming soon .
Ajaay’s love affair with technology started young, with the Nokia N-Gage piquing his interest. Since 2016, he’s channeled his passion for tech into crafting explainers and guides on iOS, macOS, Android, social media, privacy & cybersecurity, and AI. When it’s time to unplug, Ajaay enjoys playing EAFC, unwinding to music on a pair of open-backs, building his dream audiophile gear, or watching Arsenal struggle to keep a clean sheet.
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- Apple and Google have officially confirmed their team-up for the next-gen Siri AI.
- The Cupertino Giant will be using Google’s Gemini for a more personalized Siri model as well as Apple Intelligence features.
- We can expect the next-gen Siri to come out with iOS 26.4, sometime in March or April.
Apple has officially confirmed joining forces with Google to use its Gemini AI model to power the next-generation Siri. It will offer a more personalized experience and will be coming out with the iOS 26.4 update. Apple also plans to leverage Gemini’s capabilities for other Apple Intelligence features as well, later down the line.
The Next-Gen Siri will be powered by Google’s Gemini AI
Apple officially confirmed that it will be partnering with Google in a statement to CNBC . Here’s what it stated, “After careful evaluation, we determined that Google’s technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models, and we’re excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for our users.”
Later, Google also shared a post on X confirming the tie-up, “Apple and Google have entered into a multi-year collaboration under which the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google’s Gemini models and cloud technology. These models will help power future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri coming this year.”
Image Credit: X/@NewsFromGoogle
Both statements clearly mention that the Cupertino Giant will be using Gemini to power its assistant Siri. This was already rumored, as Apple’s attempts to acquire Perplexity went nowhere. With Gemini, Siri will get a major AI update . It will be able to handle more nuanced conversations and provide better results. Something long-time Apple users have been asking for years.
The next-gen Siri will arrive with the iOS 26.4 update, which will launch sometime in March or April. And it is only going to be available for Apple Intelligence-supported devices .
Something else worth noting is how Google’s statement mentions that Gemini will power Apple Intelligence features. This leads us to believe that Apple could use Gemini’s multi-modal capabilities for its Writings tools , Image Playground , and Message summaries, too.
Elon Musk Not Happy With Apple and Google Tie Up
xAI CEO Elon Musk also responded to Google’s announcement post on X, sharing his thoughts on the matter by saying, “This seems like an unreasonable concentration of power for Google, given that they also have Android and Chrome.” Though we don’t expect either Apple or Google to respond to Elon, we will update the situation as it progresses.
It is worth noting that xAI is the company behind Grok, which is in hot water currently due to its inappropriate image generation fiasco , and has been getting backlash from multiple news outlets, X users, and even government authorities.
With over 4 year of experience under the belt, I cover all facets of consumer tech, from smartphones to other consumer electronics, our favorite social media apps, as well as the growing realm of AI and LLMs. As an Apps and AI writer app Beebom, I provide my expertise in all these areas, weaving stories that help you get familiar with the tech around you. But you will find me playing NYT daily puzzles in my free time.
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