Google is enhancing its Workspace suite with new generative AI features, aiming to make its collaboration tools more competitive against Microsoft 365. The latest updates include AI-powered background and image enhancements in Google Meet, as well as built-in real-time translation in Google Chat.
These features are powered by Google’s Gemini AI model, which is now integrated into Workspace Business and Enterprise plans at no additional cost. Unlike previous AI add-ons, the new Gemini tools are embedded directly within the software, streamlining their use for businesses.
AI Enhancements in Google Meet and Chat
With the latest improvements, Google Meet can now generate or refine custom backgrounds, enhance a participant’s appearance, and use machine learning to adjust lighting and reduce background noise. Meanwhile, Google Chat’s translation capabilities now cover 120 languages, eliminating the need to switch between applications for real-time translations.
Administrators can manage access to these AI-driven features, allowing businesses to enable or disable them based on their needs.
Challenges in Competing with Microsoft 365
Despite Google’s push to integrate AI across its Workspace platform, analysts believe the company still faces an uphill battle against Microsoft 365, which has a deeply entrenched user base. Microsoft continues to evolve its AI-driven Copilot features, and the challenge of transitioning from the Microsoft ecosystem remains significant.
For many organizations, migrating away from Microsoft’s software is a complex process. Millions of businesses rely on legacy Office formats, including Excel macros, which may not function properly in Google Workspace. Additionally, Workspace has yet to match Microsoft 365 in feature parity, making the shift even more difficult for enterprises.
AI Competition in the Videoconferencing Market
Beyond Microsoft, Google is also competing with other major players in the AI-powered collaboration space. Zoom and Microsoft Teams continue to add AI-driven enhancements, such as video touch-ups and virtual assistants, raising the bar for user expectations in business communication tools. Microsoft has also announced plans to phase out Skype, consolidating its functionality into Teams to further strengthen its video and messaging ecosystem.
While Google’s investment in AI is making Workspace more appealing, the battle for enterprise adoption is far from over. The success of Gemini-powered tools may depend on whether companies see enough benefits to overcome the inertia of Microsoft’s long-standing dominance.
Stay tuned to DC Brief for further updates on this story and other technology developments.
