Google Tests Email Productivity Assistant

The Introduction of Google's CC AI Assistant

Companies are consistently exploring the integration of AI assistants to enhance productivity and streamline user workflows. The goal is to offer time-saving tools that encourage increased user engagement. Today, Google has initiated a new experiment in this area with the launch of CC, an email-based assistant accessible through Google Labs.

How CC Functions

CC leverages the capabilities of the Gemini AI model. It establishes a connection with a user’s Google ecosystem, including Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Calendar. This connectivity allows CC to deliver a personalized “Your Day Ahead” email on a daily basis.

This daily brief proactively informs users about scheduled tasks, provides a concise overview of their calendar events, and delivers crucial updates sourced from their connected Google accounts.

Interactive Capabilities

Users are able to interact with CC by replying to the daily email or sending new requests directly. These requests can include adding items to a to-do list, providing feedback to refine the assistant’s understanding of user preferences, storing important notes, or initiating information searches.

Availability and Limitations

Currently, CC is being rolled out to subscribers of AI Premium and AI Ultra plans within the United States and Canada. Eligibility is restricted to individuals aged 18 and over.

It’s important to note that, at this time, CC is exclusively available for personal Google accounts. Support for Google Workspace accounts is not yet implemented.

Context within the AI Assistant Landscape

The concept of AI-powered email briefs and assistants is not novel. Mindy, a company initially focused on email assistance and now serving the creator and marketing sectors, represents one example.

Furthermore, applications like Read AI and Fireflies offer daily summaries, though they may lack the comprehensive context provided by CC’s access to email and Drive data.

Huxe, an audio application developed by the team behind Google NotebookLM, presents a unique approach by delivering a daily brief in the format of a personalized podcast, drawing information from email, calendar, and news sources.