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Google is upgrading its cloud-based productivity tools suite, Google Workspace, with the addition of new AI capabilities. This upgrade includes a feature called “Workspace Flows,” which allows users to automate multi-step processes such as updating spreadsheets and searching through documents for information.
These workflows can tap into “Gems,” Google’s custom AI-powered chatbots, to handle specialized tasks and integrate with apps like Google Drive to retrieve data. With Workspace Flows, users can simply describe what they need in plain language, and the tool will design and build sophisticated, logic-driven workflows.
The company is also working with partners to connect Workspace Flows to other third-party tools that users rely on, enabling it to support a wide range of workflows beyond its own platform. This move comes as Google looks to make Workspace an AI-first experience, following the addition of generative AI functionality in March 2023 and eliminating fees for certain AI workspace features while increasing the price of Workspace plans.
In other enhancements, Google Docs will soon gain the ability to convert drafts into podcast-style overviews, similar to NotebookLM’s Audio Overviews. Additionally, revisions can be made to snippets of copy. The tool will also feature a new “Help me refine” function that offers suggestions on how to strengthen arguments, improve structure, and make points clearer.
In Google Sheets, the forthcoming “Help me analyze” feature will provide guidance, highlight trends, and assist in creating interactive charts. Users of Google Meet will soon be able to have conversations summarized and recapitulated by a tool called “Take notes for me.”
Furthermore, users of Google Chat will be able to invoke the Google Gemini chatbot by typing “@gemini” in any conversation. Meanwhile, Google Vids, its AI-powered video creation app for work, will soon be able to generate video clips using its Veo 2 model.
Lastly, Google is introducing new data residency controls that allow customers to restrict where their data is processed, which should help them comply with regulations such as the EU’s GDPR.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/09/google-workspace-gets-automation-flows-podcast-style-summaries/
