Google has made a major update by removing the Rs 1,500 per month fee for its Gemini AI tools in Workspace Business and Enterprise plans. Instead, these AI tools are now available as part of standard subscriptions. However, there is a small catch—prices for these plans have increased slightly by Rs 125 per user per month.
What Changed with Google Gemini AI?
Old Subscription Fee: Previously, if you wanted to access the Gemini-powered AI features, you needed to pay Rs 1,500 per month for the Gemini Business plan. This was an additional cost on top of the usual Workspace subscription.
New Update: Starting this week, Google has made these AI features available for free for businesses using the standard Business and Enterprise plans. This means that you no longer need to pay extra for the Gemini AI tools, including popular features like email summaries, meeting notes, and more.
| Feature | Old Cost (Gemini Business Plan) | New Cost (Workspace Business & Enterprise Plans) |
|---|---|---|
| Gemini AI Tools | Rs 1,500/month | Included in subscription (with Rs 125 price increase) |
What Is Included in the New AI Suite?
Google Workspace AI suite brings several powerful tools to the table, now available without an extra charge. Here’s a quick overview of what’s included:
- Email Summaries in Gmail: Quickly understand long email threads with AI-generated summaries.
- Automated Meeting Notes in Meet: Let the AI handle note-taking during meetings.
- Spreadsheet Assistance in Sheets: Get help with organizing and analyzing data.
- AI Writing Assistant in Docs: Improve your writing and generate content more efficiently.
The Gemini bot, Google’s flagship AI, acts as a smart assistant capable of helping with tasks like summarizing emails, retrieving data, and brainstorming ideas.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Gmail Summaries | AI-driven email summaries to save time |
| Meet Notes | Automated notes from your meetings |
| Sheets Assistance | AI helps with organizing and analyzing data |
| Docs Assistant | Help with writing, editing, and generating content |
Why Did Google Make This Change?
Google’s decision to offer these tools for free is part of its strategy to stay competitive. With AI becoming an essential part of work productivity, Google is responding to Microsoft move of offering AI features in its Microsoft 365 plans without additional charges.
By making its Gemini tools available without an extra cost, Google hopes more businesses will try these AI capabilities and improve their workflow efficiency. The company is betting that by eliminating the cost barrier, it can attract more businesses to its platform.
The Catch Small Price Increase
While the Gemini tools are now free, there is a slight increase in the overall cost of Google’s Workspace plans. Most businesses will now pay Rs 125 more per user per month.
For example, the base subscription cost that was previously Rs 900 ($12) is now priced at Rs 1,050 ($14) per user per month. While this increase isn’t huge, it may add up for larger businesses with many users.
| Plan Type | Old Price | New Price |
|---|---|---|
| Base Plan | Rs 900/month | Rs 1,050/month |
| Price Increase | No | Rs 125/user/month |
Why Is Google Offering AI for Free?
Google’s move reflects its commitment to remaining competitive in the growing AI market. The company aims to push its AI capabilities forward and help businesses integrate them seamlessly into their workflows. The race for AI dominance is intensifying, and Google’s decision to make its tools more accessible is part of its broader strategy to stay ahead.
In addition, Google plans to keep introducing new AI features over the next year, ensuring its tools remain cutting-edge.
The Future of AI in Workspace
This update signals a shift in how businesses will approach productivity. AI is no longer just a bonus feature—it’s becoming an essential part of how we work. Google’s decision to offer Gemini tools for free shows that AI is integral to the future of business. Whether you’re excited or uncertain about AI, it’s clear that tools like Gemini are here to stay.
| Future of AI | Description |
|---|---|
| Core to Business | AI features will play a major role in improving productivity |
| Continuous Updates | Google plans to introduce more AI tools in the coming year |
Google decision to make Gemini’s AI tools available for free is a significant step in making AI accessible for businesses. While there’s a slight price increase to cover the new features, the overall benefit is clear. The future of work is digital, and AI will be at the forefront of this change.
