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01 September 2023 , 06:00

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Google's new Duet AI is set to change the way millions of people use Gmail and other Google apps

Working online just got a whole lot easier for Google users, thanks to some nifty new AI tools. Google has begun rolling out its Duet AI technology, which is designed to 'reduce the burden of work' by taking over many of your responsibilities and doing them for you.

Simply put, Duet AI works across your whole Google account, meaning it's compatible with all of Google's Workspace apps including Gmail, Drive, Docs, Slides, Meet, and others. It acts a little bit like ChatGPT. All you have to do is ask it to do a task for you, whether that's converting a Docs file into a slideshow or writing an email response, and it'll take care of the rest.

Duet AI isn't free to use permanently just yet, and costs a monthly fee of $30 (roughly £24). However, companies and organisations can request a free trial of it on Google Workspace.

Google's Duet AI can take notes and even show up to meetings on your behalf (Google / The Verge)

One of the most exciting things about Duet is undoubtedly its integration with Google Meet. It doesn't just optimise your webcam, promising studio-quality lighting - it can also take meeting notes for you so you don't have to. All users have to do is hit 'take notes for me' and all attendees on a video call will be sent a recap summary after the meeting.

You can even tell Duet to 'attend for me' on a meeting invite. The AI will basically show up to the meeting for you and share any notes or points you want to make with the group.

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Duet works with a number of different Google Workspace apps

Then, it will send you the recap that everyone else gets. On top of that, Duet will summarise meetings for you if you're late. It will be just like you've attended, except you won't actually have to show up on time or do any proper work.

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There's no word on whether it will become a standard feature for regular users of Google's products, but given that AI tools have already crept into apps like Gmail, there's a fairly decent chance that some of these tools will become free to use someday.

Ciaran Daly