Google has introduced a new artificial intelligence (AI)-powered feature that integrates its Gemini AI with Gmail to streamline event scheduling in Google Calendar. This smart feature identifies event-related information within emails and suggests adding them directly to the user’s Google Calendar. The innovation aims to simplify scheduling by reducing manual entries and ensuring important events are never missed.
Gemini AI scans incoming Gmail messages to detect event details. If it recognizes an event, it presents the user with an “Add to Calendar” button within the email interface. Once clicked, the feature prompts the user to confirm event details before saving it to Google Calendar.
A report by The Verge suggests that the AI successfully identified events in test emails. However, there is a slight variation from Google’s initial description of the feature. While Google initially claimed that the AI would autonomously add events to the Calendar, the current implementation still requires user confirmation before finalizing the event entry.
Receiving an Email: When an email contains details indicative of an event, Gemini AI identifies it and triggers an “Add to Calendar” button.
Confirming Event Details: Upon clicking the button, users will be prompted to verify event details to ensure accuracy.
Saving the Event: After confirming, users can choose to add the event to their Google Calendar by selecting ‘Yes’.
Editing Limitations: Once added, users will not have the option to edit the event from the sidebar.
Google has started rolling out this AI feature gradually, with full deployment expected by mid-April 2025. Users may receive the update at different times depending on their Google account type and region.
This feature is available for various Google Workspace and Google One AI Premium subscribers. Specifically, the following plans are eligible:
Google Workspace: Business Starter, Standard, and Plus; Enterprise Starter, Standard, and Plus.
Educational Institutions: Gemini Education and Gemini Education Premium add-on users.
Google One AI Premium Users: Subscribers of Google One’s AI-enhanced services.
Existing Gemini Add-On Subscribers: Users with Gemini Business or Gemini Enterprise add-ons will also have access to this feature.
The integration of AI in Google’s suite of products aims to enhance productivity and efficiency. The Gemini-powered feature reduces the need for manual event entries, ensuring better organization and time management for users.
Time-Saving: Automates the process of scheduling events from Gmail.
Enhanced Accuracy: Reduces the risk of missing important dates.
Seamless Integration: Works within the existing Google ecosystem without requiring additional tools.
Conclusion
Google’s new AI-powered scheduling feature in Gmail, backed by Gemini, marks another step towards making digital productivity tools smarter and more intuitive. While the feature currently requires user confirmation before adding events to Google Calendar, its seamless functionality is set to enhance user convenience. With a full rollout anticipated by mid-April 2025, eligible Google users can expect an improved scheduling experience.