Google Introduces Gemini Side Panel for Calendar
What is Gemini?
Google has introduced a new Gemini side panel for Calendar, a feature that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to help you check your schedule, create events, and look up event details. This feature is part of Google’s early access testing program, Google Workspace Labs.
How Does Gemini Work?
With Gemini, you can ask natural language questions to perform various calendar-related tasks. For example, you can ask, "When is my next meeting with Chris?" or "How many meetings do I have next week?" to get information about your schedule. To create an event, you can give Gemini commands like, "Add lunch with my parents to my schedule at 11 a.m. Tuesday" or "Add a workout to my calendar every weekday at 6 a.m."
Examples of Gemini Commands
- To check your upcoming schedule, you can ask, "What’s my schedule for next week?"
- To create an event, you can say, "Add a meeting with John to my schedule at 2 p.m. tomorrow."
- To get event details, you can ask, "What’s the location of my meeting next Friday?"
Limitations and Availability
For now, Gemini in Calendar is only available as part of Google Workspace Labs. To try out the feature, you’ll need to enroll in Google Workspace Labs and then go to your Google Calendar to find the "Ask Gemini" icon in the top right corner. The feature is not yet available for the Google Calendar mobile app.
Turning Off Gemini
If you decide you no longer want to use Gemini, you’ll need to leave Google Labs entirely. Once you make this decision, you won’t be able to rejoin Google Workspace Labs.
FAQs
Q: What is Google Workspace Labs?
A: Google Workspace Labs is a testing program for new features and improvements to Google’s productivity tools.
Q: How do I get access to Gemini in Google Calendar?
A: You can enroll in Google Workspace Labs and then go to your Google Calendar to find the "Ask Gemini" icon in the top right corner.
Q: Will Gemini be available on the Google Calendar mobile app?
A: Not yet. The feature is currently only available on the web version of Google Calendar.
Q: Can I turn off Gemini for Calendar?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to leave Google Labs entirely. Once you make this decision, you won’t be able to rejoin Google Workspace Labs.
