TL;DR:
- Google is introducing “Gemini Business” AI for Workspace users, expanding its suite of offerings beyond email, calendar, docs, storage, and video chat.
- Early patch notes suggest enhanced data protections and configurable settings within the Google Workspace Admin console for Gemini users.
- Gemini may not be included in the standard “Business Standard” Workspace tier, with separate “Gemini Business” and “Gemini Enterprise” plans likely requiring an upgrade.
- The fate of Google’s previous AI initiative, Duet AI, remains uncertain as Gemini emerges, potentially signaling a shift in AI strategy.
- The introduction of Gemini could lead to a $30 per user per month augmentation for AI capabilities, reflecting the resource-intensive nature of AI development and deployment.
Main AI News:
The cornerstone of Google’s enterprise strategy has long been the bundling of its popular consumer apps with tailored features and heightened security, a package commonly known as “Google Workspace.” Currently encompassing email, calendar, docs, storage, and video chat, Workspace appears poised to expand its offerings with the introduction of an AI-powered chatbot tailored to business needs. Dubbed “Gemini” (formerly known as “Bard”), the latest indications from early patch notes, as uncovered by Dylan Roussei of 9to5Google and TestingCatalog.eth, hint at the emergence of new products under the moniker “Gemini Business” and “Gemini Enterprise.”
According to these preliminary patch notes, Workspace clients can anticipate receiving “enterprise-grade data protections” alongside configurable Gemini settings within the Google Workspace Admin console. Notably, users are assured they can engage with Gemini in the workplace with confidence, safe in the knowledge that their conversations will not be utilized to train Gemini models.
While the precise rollout date remains uncertain, it seems Gemini may not be bundled into the standard “Business Standard” tier of Workspace, priced at $12 per user per month. Instead, Google positions Gemini as part of distinct “Gemini Business” and “Gemini Enterprise” plans, urging existing subscribers to consider upgrading. Roussei notes that the upgrade prompt directs users to the Duet AI Workspace page, Google’s initial foray into AI for business, which is yet to incorporate the new Gemini plans.
The fate of Google’s previous AI initiative, Duet AI, remains unclear in light of the impending Gemini release. Initially announced in August 2023, Duet AI promised simplified user interactions via “help me write” buttons embedded within Gmail, Docs, and other Workspace applications. Despite an initial proposed fee of $30 per user per month, Duet AI has yet to see widespread adoption within the business community, with the “try Duet AI” link redirecting to a trial request form. Given the fast-paced nature of Google’s AI developments, it’s plausible that Gemini may supplant Duet AI entirely, though questions linger regarding pricing and feature parity.
Should the $30 AI augmentation plan come to fruition, businesses could be looking at a total expenditure of $45 per user per month for a fully AI-infused Workspace experience. While this may appear steep, the resource-intensive nature of generative AI applications necessitates substantial investments in processing power. Despite the current industry focus on user acquisition, major players are grappling with significant financial losses, underscoring the considerable costs associated with AI development and deployment. For instance, Nvidia’s premier AI hardware solutions can command prices ranging from $10,000 to $40,000 per unit, exclusive of ongoing operational expenses.
Conclusion:
Google’s rollout of Gemini Business AI underscores the company’s commitment to expanding its Workspace offerings and enhancing workplace productivity. However, the introduction of separate plans and the potential replacement of Duet AI raises questions about pricing strategies and market positioning. As businesses weigh the benefits of AI augmentation against associated costs, Google’s move signals a broader trend toward integrating advanced AI technologies into everyday workplace tools.
