Google is introducing its generative artificial intelligence assistant, Duet AI, to its Workspace productivity apps. This includes Docs, Gmail, Sheets, and more. The virtual assistant will also be available on Google Meet and Google Chat.
Users can try Duet AI for free on Google Workspace. However, large organizations will need to pay $30 per month per user to continue using the virtual assistant in the cloud-based apps. Microsoft charges a similar price for its 365 AI Copilot in Office apps. Pricing for smaller organizations has yet to be determined.
The Premium Price for Pro Users
While Duet AI’s capabilities are undoubtedly impressive, it comes with a price. Access to these premium features will be reserved for Google Workspace pro users who subscribe to higher-tier plans. This means shelling out extra money for the privilege of enjoying Duet AI’s benefits.
Is It Worth the Investment for Pro Users?
The question that arises is whether the additional cost is justified for professional users. Here are some factors to consider:
- Enhanced Productivity: Duet AI has the potential to significantly enhance productivity, saving valuable time and reducing manual tasks.
- Personalization: The AI offers personalized suggestions, making it a valuable assistant that adapts to your unique work habits and preferences.
- Reduced Cognitive Load: With AI handling routine tasks and offering insights, users can focus on more critical and creative aspects of their work.
- Competitive Edge: In a competitive professional landscape, having access to advanced AI tools can give individuals and businesses a competitive edge.
- Cost-Benefit Analysis: Pro users should weigh the extra cost against the potential time and productivity gains that Duet AI offers.
Duet AI offers various features aimed at lightening your workload. It can generate email drafts, summarize work activities, and create presentations based on its findings. The virtual assistant can even generate images. Additionally, Duet AI provides assistance during Google Meet and Chat meetings, enhancing participants’ experience. Translated captions in 18 languages are available, and the app can display real-time translations of what others are saying.
Duet AI also includes useful note-taking functions. It can jot down action items, capture video snippets, and send a summary to meeting attendees. If you miss a meeting, Duet AI can catch you up with an in-progress summary. Furthermore, the virtual assistant can represent you in a meeting if you’re unable to attend and provide a summary afterwards.
Google is further integrating Duet AI into Google Chat to compete with platforms like Slack and Microsoft Teams. Users will be able to ask the virtual assistant questions, get summaries of shared documents, and stay up to date on conversations they missed. The Chat user interface has been updated, offering more shortcuts and an enhanced search function. Autocorrect features and increased chat community size are also included.
Regarding privacy, Google assures that users’ interactions with Duet AI will remain private. The company does not use personal data to train its models without permission. This commitment to privacy aligns with Google’s efforts to prevent cyber threats, provide safer work environments, and support digital sovereignty and compliance requirements.
Duet AI will compete with similar AI assistants like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot. Google is allowing third-party companies to use the underlying technology for other applications, such as an upcoming GE Appliances app that generates recipes based on available ingredients.
Overall, Duet AI offers a range of powerful features to enhance productivity and streamline workflows across various Google platform