Gmail app finally getting Gemini-powered 'Summarize' feature

Google has recently introduced an exciting new feature to its Gmail app for both Android and iOS users: the AI-powered “Summarize this email” function. This development comes as no surprise to those following tech news closely, as PiunikaWeb first reported on the potential addition of a Gemini-powered summarization feature to Gmail earlier this year.

The new feature, available exclusively to paid subscribers, offers a concise summary of email threads containing more than two responses. It’s designed to streamline communication and save users valuable time when dealing with lengthy email conversations.

To access this feature, users will notice a “Summarize this email” button appearing below the subject line in qualifying email threads. Upon tapping this button, a Gemini window slides up from the bottom of the screen, presenting highlights from the email thread. Users can then copy these highlights or provide feedback on their usefulness through a simple thumbs up or down rating system.

Google has begun rolling out this Gemini-powered capability to eligible users, with plans to make it available to all qualified subscribers in the coming weeks, as highlighted by 9to5Google.

In addition to the mobile app update, Google has also introduced a Gemini side panel to Gmail’s web interface. This panel, powered by Gemini 1.5 Pro, offers a range of capabilities including summarizing email threads, suggesting appropriate responses, drafting emails, and answering questions based on information from the user’s inbox and Drive.

The “Summarize this email” feature in the Gmail app and the Gemini side panel on the web version are accessible to users subscribed to various Gemini plans, including Gemini Business and Enterprise add-on, Google One AI premium, and Gemini Education and Education Premium add-on.