Google's Gemini to automatically summarize lengthy emails unless users opt out
Google's AI assistant, Gemini, is becoming more prominent in your inbox with the introduction of email summary cards, now displayed at the top of your messages. Announced on Thursday, users no longer need to tap an option to generate an AI summary of an email. Instead, Gemini will automatically provide summaries when appropriate, without any user input required.
When Gemini was introduced in Gmail's side panel last year, one of its key features was the ability to summarize long email threads, alongside tools for drafting messages and suggesting replies.
Now, Google is deploying this AI directly within your inbox, whether you choose to use it or not.
This update is another example of how AI is rapidly integrating into the most commonly used software and services, despite the fact that AI-generated summaries are not always reliable. For instance, when Apple introduced AI summaries for app push notifications, the BBC found the feature repeatedly made errors in summarizing news headlines. Apple subsequently paused the AI summaries for news apps.
Google's own AI Overviews feature for Search has also been prone to mistakes, sometimes delivering poor quality and inaccurate information.
With the new email summary cards, Gemini will list the key points of a lengthy email and continuously update the synopsis as new replies come in.

Image Credits: Google Google notes that this feature does not replace the manual option to summarize an email. The button for manual summarization will still appear as a chip at the top of the email and within Gmail's Gemini side panel.
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Berkeley, CA|June 5REGISTER NOWThe feature is initially available only for emails in English.
Depending on your region, summary cards may be enabled or disabled by default. (For example, smart features are disabled in the EU, the U.K., Switzerland, and Japan, according to Google's help documentation.) Other users can enable or disable the feature in Gmail's Settings under "Smart features." Workplace administrators can also choose to disable personalization settings for users via the Admin console.
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Google's AI assistant, Gemini, is becoming more prominent in your inbox with the introduction of email summary cards, now displayed at the top of your messages. Announced on Thursday, users no longer need to tap an option to generate an AI summary of an email. Instead, Gemini will automatically provide summaries when appropriate, without any user input required.
When Gemini was introduced in Gmail's side panel last year, one of its key features was the ability to summarize long email threads, alongside tools for drafting messages and suggesting replies.
Now, Google is deploying this AI directly within your inbox, whether you choose to use it or not.
This update is another example of how AI is rapidly integrating into the most commonly used software and services, despite the fact that AI-generated summaries are not always reliable. For instance, when Apple introduced AI summaries for app push notifications, the BBC found the feature repeatedly made errors in summarizing news headlines. Apple subsequently paused the AI summaries for news apps.
Google's own AI Overviews feature for Search has also been prone to mistakes, sometimes delivering poor quality and inaccurate information.
With the new email summary cards, Gemini will list the key points of a lengthy email and continuously update the synopsis as new replies come in.

Google notes that this feature does not replace the manual option to summarize an email. The button for manual summarization will still appear as a chip at the top of the email and within Gmail's Gemini side panel.
Techcrunch eventSave now through June 4 for TechCrunch Sessions: AI
Save $300 on your ticket to TC Sessions: AI—and get 50% off a second ticket. Hear from leaders at OpenAI, Anthropic, Khosla Ventures, and more during a full day of expert insights, hands-on workshops, and high-impact networking. These discounted rates end when the event begins on June 5.
Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI
Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and showcase your product to 1,200+ decision-makers—without a major investment. This offer is available until May 9 or while exhibitor tables remain.
Berkeley, CA|June 5REGISTER NOWThe feature is initially available only for emails in English.
Depending on your region, summary cards may be enabled or disabled by default. (For example, smart features are disabled in the EU, the U.K., Switzerland, and Japan, according to Google's help documentation.) Other users can enable or disable the feature in Gmail's Settings under "Smart features." Workplace administrators can also choose to disable personalization settings for users via the Admin console.
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