Google has made a big change by adding its AI, called Gemini, directly into its Workspace plans. This means that tools like Gmail, Docs, and Sheets will now have AI built right in without an opt-out option.
Having a personal AI assistant sounds cool, but some might question if they need AI right now or if they’re even ready for it. Well, it’s clear that AI is becoming a bigger part of how we work, and we might just have to embrace it, whether we want to or not.
Google decided to make Gemini a standard part of its Workspace plans for businesses, like the Business and Enterprise plans. Before, you had to pay extra for these AI features, from $20 to $30 per user each month. Now, it’s included in the plan, but the price of the plans has gone up a little bit.
These price changes will be immediate for new customers, while existing customers will see them on March 17, 2025, or at renewal.
The new standard inclusion of Gemini also includes:
While the integration of AI provides more access to these tools, some users might feel concerned. Some users may worry about managing the new AI features or making sure their data is secure. But despite these initial doubts, using AI features is expected to be a good move in the long run.
This change makes AI more accessible to a wider range of businesses, especially those that could not afford the add-on previously. The new pricing structure also means that customers no longer need to manage separate AI add-ons. It’s Google’s way of making AI the standard on team collaboration platforms.
Curious about Gemini in Workspace and the latest pricing updates? Tune in to our Cloud Do You Do? podcast for all the details! Don’t forget to like and follow us for more insights. 🚀
So, including Gemini in Workspace plans is actually a good thing for a few reasons:
It seems like big tech companies, like Google and Microsoft, are now seeing AI as a must-have tool for businesses. They’re not treating it as an optional extra anymore, but as a core part of their services.
Microsoft did something similar with its AI tool, Copilot. In late 2024, the company decided to include Copilot in its Microsoft 365 Personal and Family plans in some Asia-Pacific countries, making its AI tools more widely available. Just like Google, Microsoft also increased its prices when it made this change.
Microsoft’s decision to integrate Copilot into its consumer plans may have prompted Google to follow suit with Gemini. It’s like they’re in a race to be the leader in AI for businesses, and they’re both making sure their customers have easy access to AI tools.
Now that AI is included, we will likely see many businesses start to use it more. Companies will need to figure out how best to use AI in their operations. This means there will be a need for certified Google partners — like Revolgy — to help businesses learn, plan, and test AI policies and procedures, and also make sure everything is secure. The technology is always changing, so it’s also important to keep looking ahead to what’s coming next.
Even though there might be some initial questions or hesitation, Google’s integration of AI into Workspace is an important step. It makes AI more accessible and part of the everyday business tools. Yes, the cost has gone up a bit, but it’s a sign of the times. The value is there for those who want to see it and get ahead.