For most applications, adding AI is generally considered unwanted bloat rather than a useful feature. But if implemented correctly, it can be a lifesaver for some of the applications we use on a daily basis. Google is adding Gemini everywhere and I don't like it except for these four apps.
Gmail
In my opinion, the best implementation of Gemini in a Google app (as well as the features you're likely to actually use) is probably Gmail. The most immediate impact of this integration comes from the Help Me Write feature. This tool goes beyond simple autocomplete suggestions by creating entire email drafts based on quick prompts. You can simply type a request for a formal apology to a client or a casual invitation to a team lunch, and Gemini will spit out a complete and polished message. This capability extends to clarifying existing text, allowing users to shorten long drafts or adjust tone to make it more professional or detailed, depending on the recipient.
Gemini also greatly eases the burden of email overload with advanced summarization capabilities. Long, complex discussions with multiple participants can be instantly summarized into quick summaries that show key decisions and outstanding actions. This is especially valuable for those returning from vacation or joining a project mid-project, as it eliminates the need to scroll through dozens of messages to understand the current context. The system identifies the most important information, such as suggested meeting times or specific project deadlines, and displays it clearly at the beginning of the conversation. Pretty good.
The Gemini sidebar also acts as a smart assistant that can query your entire inbox. Instead of using traditional keyword searches, which often produce mixed results, you can ask questions in natural language, such as: “What was the order number for the last invoice from supplier X?” or “When is my flight to Chicago?” Gemini scans emails to find a specific response and presents it directly to you, often linking to the original email address for verification. When it works, it's easier than using the search bar at the top and scrolling through an endless maze of new and old emails.
Google Meeting
Google MeetingGemini's standout feature is “Take Notes for Me,” which acts as a sort of automated secretary. He actively listens to the meeting and creates notes in real time that capture the gist of the discussion. It doesn't just transcribe word for word; it synthesizes the dialogue to identify key findings, decisions made, and actions assigned to specific participants. After the call, these notes are automatically saved to a Google Doc and attached to the calendar invitation, ensuring that a reliable record exists even if no one involved was involved in the writing.
For those who join a meeting late, Ask a Gemini provides a confidential way to catch up without disrupting the flow of the conversation. You can simply type a question into the side interface, such as “What are we discussing now?” or “Has anyone mentioned budget yet?” Gemini looks through the transcript of what has already been said and gives a summary to bring the latecomer up to date.
Additionally, Gemini provides studio-grade adaptive audio and video tuning that works in the background to make your presentation look more professional. It can isolate voices from background noise more effectively than standard filters and automatically adjust lighting to compensate for poor environmental conditions.
Google Docs
When I saw that Google was adding AI to its Workspace apps, I thought Gemini would be like a goddamn Clippy. In a sense, this is true, but it is also very useful – at least for Google Docs. The Help Me Write prompt allows you to create outlines, blog posts, or project proposals from scratch based on simple instructions. It is equally effective at expanding bullet points, turning rough notes into coherent paragraphs. This generative capacity is not limited to text; it can also create custom images directly in the document, helping you visualize concepts without having to search through external stock photo libraries.
During the editing and polishing phase, Gemini significantly improves productivity. You can highlight sections of text and ask the AI to rephrase them for clarity, correct grammatical errors, or change the stylistic approach entirely. For example, a technical paragraph can be rewritten to make it accessible to a wider audience, or a simple note can be elevated to the level of executive prose. The system can also instantly summarize long documents, which is invaluable when reviewing extensive reports or scientific articles. And these summaries can then be inserted directly into the document as an annotation or summary if you so choose.
Perhaps the most powerful aspect of Gemini in Docs is the ability to access information from across the entire Google Workspace ecosystem. Through the sidebar, you can ask Gemini to link to a specific email thread or file stored in Drive and bring that information into the current document. This means a user can report on the status of a project in Docs, instructing Gemini to “summarize updates from the team's weekly emails” or “extract sales data from a third quarter spreadsheet.”
Google Drive
Lastly, Google Drive also has Gemini integration, and it's actually more useful than you might think. The traditional method of finding a file involves memorizing file names or navigating a complex folder hierarchy. Gemini, however, provides a natural language search and query system that operates on file content. You can open the Gemini sidebar and ask high-level questions like, “What are the key differences between the 2024 and 2025 marketing plans?” The AI scans relevant documents, PDFs and slides to provide a synthesized response, citing the specific files in which the information was found.
This is especially great because it allows you to extract valuable information without even opening the file. The user can select a long PDF contract or a detailed research report and ask Gemini to “summarize the terms of termination” or “list the main competitors mentioned.” AI processes the text of the document and instantly delivers the requested information.
Gemini also improves Drive organization and management. It can analyze the contents of disorganized folders and suggest logical ways to structure them or suggest file names that accurately reflect the contents of the document.
