At Google I/O, three new features coming to Google Workspace: Voice capabilities, Google Pics, and AI Inbox
Source: Mashable Tech
Search Your Email Without Typing a Thing
By Samantha Mangino
Samantha Mangino – Shopping Reporter, Mashable
Boston‑based Shopping Reporter Samantha Mangino covers tech, commerce, and the best deals at Mashable. She’s spent three years testing everything from couches to steam irons, and she’s always on the lookout for the next product that lives up to the hype.
Published May 19 2026
Credit: Google
At Google I/O 2026, three new AI‑driven features were announced for Google Workspace. Google says more than 900 million people already use Gemini, and the company is now weaving that AI deeper into its productivity suite.
New Workspace Features
| Feature | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Gmail Live | Voice‑activated queries (e.g., “What’s my flight info?”) and AI‑generated replies. |
| Docs Live | Real‑time dictation that can brainstorm, outline, write, and refine drafts. |
| Google Pics | AI image‑editing and generation built on the Nano Banana platform. |
| AI Inbox | Expanded AI‑powered email triage, now available to more users. |
These tools let you search, compose, and edit without ever touching a keyboard.
- Gmail Live: Ask a question and get an instant answer, cutting through a crowded inbox.
- Docs Live: Speak your ideas; the AI turns them into a polished draft.
- Google Keep: Record quick notes; the AI transcribes and organizes them for you.
All of these capabilities are rolling out to AI Pro and Ultra subscribers.
Learn more about the AI Pro & Ultra subscription.
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No typing necessary: start dictating in Docs Live and Google’s AI does the rest.
Credit: Google
When you’re on the move and can’t spare a moment to type, Google’s new voice capabilities deliver answers faster than ever—whether you’re checking flight details in Gmail, drafting a report in Docs, or jotting a quick note in Keep.
Stay tuned to Mashable Light Speed for the latest updates on AI‑powered productivity tools.
Google Pics
Built on Google’s Nano Banana model, Google Pics is a new image‑creation tool. It can edit existing photos and generate new ones from scratch. Google Pics may even challenge Canva’s crown by designing event flyers, social‑media content, and digital illustrations.
Features
- Object segmentation – Select and edit specific elements with precision. Move, resize, or transform an object (e.g., change a sweater’s color or turn a dog into a cat) without affecting the rest of the image.
- Text editing and translation – Modify text directly inside a photo or translate it into different languages while preserving the original design and font style.
- Workspace integrations – Pics will be integrated into Google Workspace apps, allowing you to edit images right where they live, starting with Slides and Drive.
Availability
Pics is currently launching with a limited group of testers. Later this summer it will become available to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers and will be previewed for Google Workspace business customers.
AI Inbox for Gmail
Credit: Google
Earlier this year, Google announced AI Inbox, which is now live for AI Ultra subscribers. At Google I/O, the feature was expanded to AI Pro and Plus users, along with three new capabilities:
- Personalized draft replies – Instead of just reminding you to reply, AI Inbox generates a draft for you to review and send.
- Instant file access – While reviewing a task, AI Inbox searches your Google Drive and provides the relevant link instantly.
- Streamlined task management – Your view stays clutter‑free; you can mark individual tasks and dismiss unhelpful suggestions without building a separate to‑do list.
Looking for more Google I/O announcements? Follow the Mashable Google I/O live blog to see the latest news on Gemini, Chrome, and Android.
About the author
Samantha Mangino – Shopping Reporter
Boston‑based Shopping Reporter Samantha Mangino covers tech for Mashable, rounding up the best products and deals. She’s been reporting on commerce for three years, testing everything from couches and steam irons to washing machines, and she rigorously vets products and internet trends (including whether those “cozy gamer chairs” live up to TikTok hype).
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