Google unveils Workspace Intelligence: Gemini gets a deeper work context across Docs, Gmail and Drive

Google has introduced Workspace Intelligence at Google Cloud Next, positioning it as a new intelligence layer for Google Workspace that helps Gemini understand how people, projects and content connect across the suite.

The company says the system is designed to map relationships between information in apps like Docs, Slides, Gmail and Drive, adding organizational context that can make Gemini feel less like a standalone chatbot.

The announcement echoes Microsoft’s push with Work IQ, an intelligence layer that connects Microsoft 365 Copilot to data from services such as SharePoint, Outlook and Teams, and is also available through APIs for developers.

Ask Gemini comes to Chat

Alongside Workspace Intelligence, Google announced Ask Gemini in Google Chat, which lets users describe goals in natural language and have Gemini complete tasks in the background.

Google says the feature can summarize unread threads, highlight action items, generate Docs and Slides, schedule meetings and locate files based on a description rather than exact keywords.

New Gemini tools for Workspace

Gemini is also getting broader upgrades across Docs, Sheets and Slides. In Sheets, Google says users can build or edit spreadsheets with prompts, with Gemini handling multi-step work across files, email, chat and web data.

In Docs, Gemini can generate infographics from business data, help standardize images, and draft revisions or responses based on comment feedback to speed collaboration.

Google also says Slides can produce fully editable presentations that follow company templates and visual styles, aiming to reduce the time it takes to assemble decks from scratch.

Drive gains AI Overviews and Projects

In Drive, Google says AI Overviews and Ask Gemini in Drive are now generally available, helping users quickly understand what is inside stored files without opening each one.

The company also introduced Drive Projects, which groups relevant files and related emails in one place so users and Gemini can work with more complete context around ongoing initiatives.