Google has announced that users of its Workspace platform can now create images featuring people using the Gemini AI tool. This enhancement is part of a broader update that also introduces several other AI functionalities. Notably, in February 2024, the company had temporarily disabled Gemini’s capability to generate such images after concerns arose regarding inaccuracies and potential bias, which could lead to an increase in deepfake risks.
New Features for Google Workspace
In a recent blog post, Google detailed the latest features for Workspace users. The company previously phased out the Gemini add-on, integrating its AI functionalities directly into the Workspace subscription. Now, the first set of Gemini capabilities is being made available to all paid subscribers.
The highlight of this update is Gemini’s renewed ability to generate images containing people, powered by the Imagen 3 AI model. After its initial rollback, the feature was cautiously reintroduced in an early access phase in August 2024, with assurances from Google that enhancements had been made to reduce the risk of deepfake occurrences. The company is also utilizing SynthID for watermarking the AI-generated images.
Workspace users can now generate images of people through Gemini’s mobile applications as well as via Gemini Advanced. Furthermore, this feature is compatible with the side panels of Google Docs, Sheets, Drive, Slides, and Gmail. The rollout is ongoing and is expected to be completed by March 1 for eligible users worldwide. However, users on free tiers remain unable to generate images with people.
Another addition in this update is the option to insert responses from Gemini directly into email drafts within the Gmail app. Users can interact with Gemini by posing questions related to their emails or inbox, and then quickly insert the generated responses using a dedicated button on both Android and iOS platforms. This functionality was initially highlighted last month.
Additionally, Google is launching quick commands in the Google Chat app tailored for enterprise users. This feature aims to streamline interactions for developers, allowing them to execute app commands directly without needing to type the slash command. These commands can be configured through the Chat application’s programming interface (API) and accessed conveniently by clicking the plus icon next to the compose box.
