Google has rolled out a new AI-powered tool designed to simplify the process of scheduling meetings for Gmail and Google Calendar users. The “Help me schedule” feature, powered by the company’s Gemini model, analyzes calendar availability and email context to suggest ideal meeting times, aiming to eliminate the back-and-forth often associated with coordinating schedules.
How The AI Scheduler Works
Integrated directly into the Gmail compose window, a new “Help me schedule” button appears below the email body. Clicking this button prompts Gemini to scan your Google Calendar and generate a list of available timeslots. Users can review, edit, or remove these suggestions before inserting them directly into the email. Once the recipient clicks on their preferred time, a calendar invitation is automatically created and sent to both parties, streamlining the entire scheduling process into a few clicks.
Context-Aware AI Scheduling
While numerous scheduling assistants like Calendly and Doodle exist, Google’s tool leverages Gemini’s AI to understand the context of the email conversation. For instance, if an email mentions a “30-minute call next week,” the feature will intelligently propose only half-hour slots within that timeframe that are open on your calendar. This new feature, which is currently designed for one-on-one meetings, is a significant upgrade from Google Calendar’s previous appointment scheduling tool, which lacked AI capabilities and Gmail integration.
Part Of A Broader Workspace AI Push
The launch of “Help me schedule” is part of a wider initiative by Google to embed AI more deeply into its Workspace suite. This wave of updates also includes the introduction of its latest image editing model, Nano Banana, new Gemini features in Google Slides, and improved AI-powered video tools in Google Vids, signaling a clear focus on enhancing productivity through artificial intelligence.
Relevance For MENA Startups and Professionals
For the fast-paced startup ecosystem across the MENA region, efficiency is paramount. Founders, sales teams, and venture capitalists in hubs like Dubai, Riyadh, and Cairo are in constant communication, and scheduling meetings can be a significant time drain. This integrated AI scheduler can directly address this pain point by reducing administrative overhead and accelerating the process of setting up crucial partner meetings, investor calls, and client demos. By automating a routine but time-consuming task, the tool allows MENA’s tech professionals to focus more on strategic activities that drive growth.
About Google
Google is a global technology company specializing in Internet-related services and products, which include online advertising technologies, a search engine, cloud computing, software, and hardware. It is considered one of the Big Five American information technology companies, alongside Amazon, Apple, Meta, and Microsoft.
Source: TechCrunch
