Los angeles: With the introduction of 'in-line AI experiences' in Gmail, Google has announced the discontinuation of the Gemini side panel for AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the United States. This update, rolled out yesterday, marks a significant shift in how users will interact with AI tools in their Gmail accounts.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Gemini side panel was previously accessible via a spark icon located next to the user's profile photo in the top-right corner of the web interface. This panel offered a range of functionalities, including summarizing email threads, suggesting responses, drafting emails, retrieving information from previous emails and Google Drive files, obtaining details about Google Calendar events, and creating new events.
Google's decision to phase out the Gemini side panel aims to simplify the integration of AI into Gmail. The company states that AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the US will no longer have access to the Ask Gemini feature or the Gemini side panel. Most of the functionalities provided by the Gemini side panel are now available through the 'in-line AI experiences.' The 'Help Me Write' function remains unchanged, while the 'Proofread' feature has been enhanced to offer more robust spelling, grammar, and style checks. Additionally, the upgraded Suggested Replies feature now considers the context of the email thread.
AI Overviews have been introduced to summarize longer email threads, providing users with a more seamless experience. The new AI Overviews in search are designed to offer a more integrated and intuitive experience for users.
As of now, the Gemini side panel has been removed from personal Gmail accounts with the new features, although it remains available on mobile devices using Android. There are no changes reported regarding the availability of the Gemini side panel in Gmail for Google Workspace plans.