In recent weeks, Google has rolled out impressive new AI features for Google Docs, including voice-controlled mobile use and direct file editing in the Gemini app.
1. Create structured content with your voice using Docs Live
Do you often get your best ideas while commuting or in the powder room, but don't have your laptop on your lap at the time? With the new Docs Live feature in the Google Docs mobile app (available for Workspace users on Android and iOS), you can now create a structured first draft using only your voice.
Instead of dictating sentence by sentence, you simply state your thoughts, goals, and agenda items. Gemini organizes this input (even if you get a little off track) into a logical draft. A major addition here is context integration: Docs Live can automatically pull information from your Gmail, Google Chat, Drive, or the web to supplement your document. Once the draft is ready, you can make further adjustments with your voice, such as "Make all headings bold".
2. Expansion to your inbox: Gmail Live
In that same mobile, voice-controlled area, Google is also rolling out Gmail Live further. This allows you to essentially have a conversation with your inbox. Instead of typing keywords in the search bar to retrieve an old email, you simply ask: "What is the gate number for my flight?" or "What did my manager send yesterday about the budget?". Gemini searches your inbox, provides an answer, and displays the relevant source emails at the bottom of your screen. (Unfortunately, these features are not yet or only limitedly available in Dutch).
3. Create, view, and edit files directly in the Gemini app
You can now generate, view, and edit Google Docs and Sheets directly in the Gemini app, without leaving the chat interface. You will see an interactive preview and can choose whether to open it in a separate tab (the document will then be saved immediately to your MyDrive) or continue editing it in the Gemini app.
For example, select a specific paragraph or row and ask Gemini to rewrite or modify it for you directly. Add columns, adjust the writing style or formatting, change your prompt, etc.
In addition, Gemini has expanded its downloadable file formats. You can now have PowerPoint, Word, and Excel files, LaTeX documents, txt files, Markdown and code files, and even csv, json, xml, yaml, and zip files created and downloaded, in addition to PDFs.
With these new built-in capabilities in Gemini, Google makes it easier than ever to quickly turn your ideas into results!
