Introducing Ask Gemini in Chat: your new partner in productivity

Google Chat is the central hub for real-time collaboration in Workspace, and starting August 26, 2026, it becomes the place where you can bring the power of Gemini into your flow of teamwork. We’re introducing Ask Gemini in Google Chat, a unified command line for your work, powered by Workspace Intelligence.

Ask Gemini in Chat helps you navigate your day, stay on top of the flow of collaboration, find what you’re looking for, and help you take action.

Find answers quickly: Search across your Workspace data (like Gmail, Drive, or Calendar) to gather information.
Create content: Generate images or draft critical updates without leaving the conversation.
Stay on top of discussions: Catch up on all your conversations in one place.
Manage tasks and events: Schedule your meetings and manage tasks without breaking your flow.
Organize your work: Structure your conversations with individual sessions to revisit and continue work on specific topics over time.

Ask Gemini helps you reduce time spent searching for information and toggling between tabs, to ensure you have everything you need to take action and keep up with the busy pace of modern teamwork.

Ask Gemini is available in the Shortcuts menu in Chat

Important changes to Gemini side panel in Chat

Ask Gemini in Chat provides many of the functions previously available in the Gemini side panel in Chat, including finding files, capturing action items and summarizing conversations. With this launch, you’ll no longer see the side panel in Chat.
In addition, you’ll no longer be able to access Gems via Gemini side panel in Chat. However, Gems will remain available in the Gemini side panel of other Workspace apps.
Your conversation history from the Gemini side panel in Chat will not migrate to the new Ask Gemini surface in Chat. However, admins will be able to export Gemini conversation history, including conversation history from the Chat side panel, and if permitted by their organization, end users will be able to download their conversation history as well. Note that in the Data Export tool and Google Takeout, this data is stored under “Gemini in Workspace,” not “Google Chat.”

Language availability

This change will only affect users who have English as their Google account language. Users with other language preferences will be able to continue using the side panel as this update will not apply to them. Support for more languages will be added in the future.

Getting started

Admins: This feature is available by default if Gemini in Workspace in Chat and Workspace Intelligence for all apps are enabled.
End users: To use Ask Gemini features, you must be enrolled in Workspace Smart Features. Once enabled, Ask Gemini will be available on the left under “Shortcuts” in Google Chat. You can also quickly access it using the keyboard shortcut (Ctrl + g on ChromeOS/Windows or Command + g on macOS). Visit the Help Center to learn more about Ask Gemini in Chat.

Through October 1, 2026, Workspace customers will get promotional access to higher limits for Ask Gemini in Chat, allowing users to experiment with this feature. Usage limits will apply after that date; we’ll provide more information in the Help Center in advance of updated usage limits going into effect.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on August 26, 2026

Availability

Business: Business Standard and Plus
Enterprise: Enterprise Standard and Plus
Education Add-ons: Google AI Pro for Education

Resources

Google Chat Help: Get started with Ask Gemini in Google Chat

Google’s Ask Gemini in Chat is an AI-powered workspace command line integrated directly into Google Chat. It allows you to coordinate tasks, catch up on conversations, and bridge your Google Workspace data with third-party tools. [1, 2]

Core Capabilities

Daily briefings: Summarises important tasks, unread chat threads, and urgent action items.
Task execution: Generates documents or slides directly from chat commands.
Smart scheduling: Finds mutually available times and schedules meetings for team members.
Intelligent file search: Locates specific files in your drive using simple, conversational descriptions.
Third-party integration: Connects with external applications like Asana, Jira, and Salesforce to track data across your entire tech stack. [2]

How to Access It form Introducing Ask

Location: Appears under the “Shortcuts” menu on the left-hand sidebar of Google Chat.
Keyboard Shortcuts: Press Ctrl + g (Windows/ChromeOS) or Command + g (macOS) to launch it instantly. [1]

Requirements for Activation

Admins: The feature is active by default if Gemini in Workspace in Chat and Workspace Intelligence are enabled in your admin console.
End Users: You must be actively enrolled in Workspace Smart Features within your account settings to see the shortcut. [1]

Would you like assistance in drafting specific prompts to use with this new feature, or do you need help checking if your Workspace settings are configured correctly to support it?