As AI continues to shape modes of work, Google on Thursday released new AI features in Gmail, the most popular global email service.
The new AI features reflect the growth and maturity of AI models, expanding the idea that the application of AI models is key to helping business and consumer users adopt AI technology. The move also boosts Google’s position in the AI race, especially as new reports show that Google’s web traffic has increased since the release of its Gemini 3 generative AI model.
Google applied Gemini to Gmail, introducing new features such as an AI Inbox, AI Overviews in Search, Contextual Suggested Replies, Gemini Proofreading, and the expansion of its “Help Me Write” feature.
The new AI inbox replaces the chronological email view with time-sensitive emails, such as upcoming fees or appointments that require rescheduling. Instead of Smart Replies, the AI technology can now suggest replies to help users generate drafts written in their own style or tone. Gemini Proofreading uses Gemini 3 to fix grammar and other writing errors. The AI Overviews in Search feature provides users with summaries and answers to their questions based on the content of their emails.
Two of Gmail’s leading email platform rivals, Microsoft Outlook and Apple Mail, have also incorporated AI capabilities.
Helpful But Not Revolutionary
While the ability for AI technology to write emails for users might be helpful, the new features Google is introducing are not game-changing, said Keith Kirkpatrick, an analyst at Futurum Group.
“When you look at the way work is being done now, a lot of it is not being done necessarily in email,” Kirkpatrick said. “It’s being done across other platforms.”
However, AI tools, such as the ability to use natural language to search and find an email, help mitigate one challenge, Kirkpatrick said.
“If you think about how email systems used to be designed, it was impossible to find anything,” he said. “This does change it. It makes it easier to find information that’s buried by 10, 15 years into your history.”
On the other hand, the infusion of AI into email and other aspects of daily life could pose some challenges for users, who may end up with the technology generating an email with content they do not want included, Kirkpatrick continued. In such situations, users must still exercise due diligence in monitoring AI-generated emails; it is common for many to send emails without checking or re-reading them.
“We’re getting overwhelmed with incorporating AI into everything,” Kirkpatrick said. “That doesn’t mean that it won’t eventually be helpful. However, I think the bigger issue is ensuring that we, as workers, know how to use these tools in the most efficient way possible.”
