Google adds Gemini help inside Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Drive and more

In short: Google is embedding its Gemini AI assistant directly inside Google Workspace apps, and it is changing how advanced AI features are sold starting March 1, 2026.

What happened

Google is expanding how Gemini shows up across Google Workspace. The Gemini side panel is now built into Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive, and Chat, so people can ask for help without leaving the app they are working in.

In Gmail and Google Docs, Gemini can help draft and rewrite text through features like “Help me write.” Google Docs is also getting a Gemini chat window inside the document, which is meant to make it easier to ask for suggestions and edits while you work.

In Google Sheets, Gemini can help fill in data and create formulas, and Google says it can also help generate whole spreadsheets. In Google Drive, Gemini powers a smarter search that lets employees ask questions in normal language and get answers based on their company files (like asking a librarian a question instead of guessing the right keywords). Google Meet also includes “Take notes for me,” which automatically writes meeting notes.

Google says the side panel supports 25 languages and can use your open documents, recent emails, and selected files for context. The company also says data protections and admin controls stay the same as other Workspace services.

Why it matters

For many workplaces, this puts AI help where people already do daily tasks, like writing emails, editing documents, and finding files. It also changes pricing: Gemini is now included in Business and Enterprise plans, but starting March 1, 2026, some advanced tools like advanced image creation, video creation, and AI avatar creation will require an “AI Expanded Access” add-on. There is also an “AI Ultra Access” add-on for the highest level of access.

Source: The Verge AI