Google continues its forced integration of artificial intelligence into all its applications and services. This time, it's the Gmail mobile app that automatically generates email summaries without having to ask. A small card appears at the top of long messages or busy threads, so you don't have to reread everything.
Not for everyone, and not right away
Previously, you had to tap the "Summarize this email" option for Gemini to get to work in a panel next to it. Now, Gemini decides when a summary might be useful to you and displays it directly. The system presents important information in bullet points and updates itself as new messages arrive in the conversation. This is quite useful when you're following an exchange with several people and don't want to lose track.
For now, this new feature only applies to Google Workspace customers, Google One AI Premium subscribers, and those with Gemini Education modules. The rollout will take about two weeks and only works with English-language emails on mobile (iOS and Android). No date announced for classic Gmail accounts or desktop computers.
Google has thought of those who don't like having their work done for them. You can collapse these summary cards, and they remain hidden in this thread. Better yet: if you collapse them often, Gmail will eventually understand and hide them by default in future conversations.
Emails that don't have these automatic summaries will keep the old method: a small button to request a summary whenever you want, either directly in the email or via Gemini in the side panel.
If it really bothers you, you can turn everything off, but be careful: disabling automatic summaries requires disabling all of Gmail's "smart" features. No more priority notifications, package tracking, Smart Compose, and Smart Reply. A somewhat radical solution.
This new feature confirms, if any were needed, Google's desire to push AI everywhere in its services. Summarizing texts is exactly the kind of task where AI excels and can really save time (be careful with shortcuts, however).
It remains to be seen whether users will appreciate this unsolicited assistance or whether some will find it invasive. Google is betting that most will see it as a significant time saver, especially when managing those endless chains of professional emails. The bet seems reasonable, but as always with AI, it's all about balancing help and intrusion.
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