Google is rolling out exciting new generative AI (genAI) enhancements to its Workspace suite, aiming to make virtual collaboration more seamless, engaging, and efficient.
With remote and hybrid work environments becoming the norm, businesses and teams rely heavily on video calls and instant messaging to stay connected.
To enhance these experiences, Google has integrated its powerful Gemini AI model into Workspace, introducing smarter video conferencing and chat tools.
These updates include AI-driven background enhancements in Google Meet, which allow users to modify or generate custom backdrops effortlessly, and real-time translations in Google Chat, enabling seamless multilingual communication.
Best of all, these features are available to Business and Enterprise plan users without requiring an additional paid add-on, making AI-driven productivity more accessible than ever.
AI-Enhanced Video Calls and Chats
The new capabilities focus on making virtual meetings more engaging and efficient:
- Google Meet Upgrades: Gemini AI can now generate or modify virtual backgrounds, enhance participants’ appearances, reduce background noise, and adjust lighting conditions to improve video quality.
- Google Chat Real-Time Translation: Users can seamlessly translate messages in 120 languages within the chat window, eliminating the need to switch between apps.
These features are available to Business and Enterprise plan users, with system administrators deciding who gets access. Users can then opt-in based on their preferences.
Google vs. Microsoft: The AI Competition Heats Up
Google’s AI-powered updates signal its commitment to making Workspace more competitive with Microsoft 365, according to J.P. Gownder, vice president and principal analyst at Forrester Research.
“Offering Gemini-powered tools at no extra cost makes Workspace more attractive, but Microsoft isn’t slowing down, its 365 Copilot is evolving rapidly,” Gownder said.
Despite these improvements, Google still faces challenges in persuading enterprises to switch from Microsoft’s ecosystem.
The Migration Challenge: Why Companies Hesitate
Transitioning from Microsoft 365 to Google Workspace isn’t just about AI—it’s about compatibility. Companies with years of data and workflows tied to Microsoft’s software find migration daunting.
“Moving millions of Office documents and thousands of Excel macros to Workspace is a massive hurdle,” Gownder noted. “Google’s AI investments are promising, but Workspace still lacks feature parity with Microsoft 365.”
The Bigger Picture: AI in Videoconferencing
Google isn’t alone in leveraging AI to improve virtual meetings. Microsoft recently announced the shutdown of Skype, integrating its functionality into Teams. Meanwhile, Zoom offers an AI assistant and appearance-enhancing features, keeping the competitive landscape dynamic.
As AI-driven tools continue evolving, Google’s investment in Gemini AI could eventually tip the scales in its favor, but for now, Microsoft remains the dominant player.
