Google is adding some surprising and powerful AI tools to its Workspace apps, including a podcast-like feature inside Google Docs.
Whether you asked for it or not, two AI-generated hosts will soon be able to talk through your document and explain its key points — just like a podcast — before you send it off to your boss.
These new features are powered by Google’s Gemini AI and are designed to make working in Docs and Sheets easier and smarter. One of the most attention-grabbing updates is the AI podcast feature. This tool was first introduced with NotebookLM, Google’s AI-powered research assistant, and is also available in the Gemini app when you upload a file. Now, it’s being added directly to Google Docs for Workspace users in the coming weeks.
With this update, Docs can give you an audio summary of your document or even read it out loud. While hearing your writing read back can help catch errors or improve flow, early users say the AI podcast voices might still feel a bit weird or robotic.
Another useful addition is a feature called “Help me refine.” Instead of rewriting your text completely, Gemini will now offer smart editing suggestions in the form of comments — just like a real editor would. It can help you tighten your writing and make improvements without taking over. This is expected to roll out later this quarter.
Google Sheets is also getting smarter, though some features are still in the works. One upcoming tool is called “Help me analyze,” which will help users understand their data better. Whether it’s spotting trends, offering guidance, or generating visuals, this AI assistant could feel like having a data analyst on call. However, this feature is expected to launch later this year.
With these updates, Google continues to push AI deeper into everyday work tasks — whether it’s writing, editing, or crunching numbers.
