Starting August 26, 2026, Google Chat will integrate Gemini, a powerful AI assistant, into its real-time collaboration features. This new functionality, called Ask Gemini in Chat, will act as a unified command line for work within Workspace. Ask Gemini will help users quickly find information across Gmail, Drive, and Calendar, and even draft content like critical updates or generate images directly within conversations. It aims to reduce the time spent switching between applications by allowing users to manage meetings and tasks without leaving Chat. Conversations can be organized into sessions for revisiting specific topics. This new Ask Gemini feature replaces the Gemini side panel in Chat, meaning the side panel will be removed. Gems will remain accessible in side panels of other Workspace apps, but not in the Chat side panel. Conversation history from the previous Gemini side panel will not migrate, though admins can export it. This update initially applies only to users with English as their Google account language. Admins will need to have Gemini in Workspace and Workspace Intelligence enabled for Ask Gemini to be available by default. End users must be enrolled in Workspace Smart Features to access these capabilities. Promotional access with higher limits will be available until October 1, 2026, after which standard usage limits will apply. This feature will be available for Business Standard and Plus, and Enterprise Standard and Plus editions, along with Education Add-ons.