Google Drive is getting better search, but it will cost you
Google Drive is set to enhance user experience significantly with the introduction of new features powered by its AI tool, Gemini. Announced this week, the updates aim to streamline the often tedious process of searching through folders by allowing users to preview their contents without the need to open each file individually. This innovative approach will display insights at the top of the folder view, giving users a quick glimpse of what’s inside. For those who want a deeper understanding, a simple click on “Explore with Gemini” will provide a comprehensive summary and allow users to ask follow-up questions in the Gemini side panel.
This feature is designed specifically to save time and improve organization, making it easier for users to locate the files they need quickly. However, there’s a catch: this advanced functionality is exclusive to paid Google Workspace users, as well as individuals with a Gemini Plus or Pro subscription. As highlighted by tech site Android Authority, this means that while the upgrade promises to enhance productivity, users who do not already hold these subscriptions will need to invest in them to access the new capabilities.
The introduction of Gemini into Google Drive reflects a broader trend in tech where AI tools are becoming integral to productivity applications, helping users manage their digital lives more efficiently. As AI continues to evolve, features like these could redefine how we interact with our files and folders, making information retrieval smarter and more intuitive. However, potential users should weigh the benefits against the cost of subscription, as the accessibility of these advanced features is limited to those willing to pay for enhanced services.
If you’ve ever found searching through your folders on
Google
Drive to be a chore, the company has good news. There’s a catch, however — and naturally it involves your wallet.
Google
revealed its list of upcoming changes
to Drive this week. Most revolve around further integrating
Gemini
, the company’s AI tool. Gemini will now preview what’s inside a folder in Drive, making it easier to find what you’re looking for without opening individual files.
“Gemini will now proactively provide insights about the files within a folder, right at the top of the folder view,” the announcement says. “This makes it easier to quickly understand what’s inside without having to open individual files. For a more in-depth look, you can click ‘Explore with Gemini’ to get a full summary or ask follow up questions in the Gemini side panel.”
Here’s what that looks like:
Credit: Google
“This feature is designed to help you save time and stay organized by providing at-a-glance insights into your folders,” Google wrote.
As tech site
Android Authority pointed out
, this helpful upgrade is available only to paid Google Workspace users, or folks with a Gemini Plus or Pro subscription.
So if it looks nifty and you don’t have one of those accounts already, you’ll have to pay up.
