Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Google Workspace Update: Gemini AI Integration & Price Adjustments

Starting January 15, 2025, all Google Workspace users will have access to Gemini AI features. All licenses will now include integrated Gemini AI features, with the specific capabilities varying by license tier/type.


While you'll no longer need to pay a separate fee for accessing Gemini AI features, the overall cost of your Google Workspace subscription will increase. This price adjustment applies to all subscriptions, even if you choose not to utilize the integrated Gemini AI features.


The price adjustment for new Google Workspace customers who made direct purchases was effective immediately. 


For existing customers, Interlock IT customers, and those working with other Google partners, the price increase takes effect on March 17, 2025 or later, when your Annual Plan or multi-year contract renews.


Product Update Highlights:

Your Google Workspace plan now includes advanced AI capabilities powered by Gemini. These cutting-edge features enhance productivity across your favourite applications:

  • Gemini for Enhanced Productivity: Experience AI-powered assistance across Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Meet, and more.
  • NotebookLM Plus for Enhanced Collaboration: Accelerate team knowledge sharing with advanced notebook features.
  • Recent Enhancements: Leverage the value of Google Vids, Security Advisor, and improved email campaigns.

Enjoy these AI-powered features at no extra cost – they're now included in your existing Google Workspace plan.


Pricing Matrix

The following table summarizes the price increases for both the Google Workspace Business and Enterprise tiers with Monthly Flexible Plan and Annual Plan Pricing for the United States and Canada.


Here's for US price:


Service

Description

United States (USD)

Monthly Flexible Plan

Annual Plan

Old Price

New Price

Old Price

New Price

Google Workspace Starter

Business Starter

$7.20

$8.40

$6.00

$7.00







Google Workspace Business

Business Standard

$14.40

$16.80

$12.00

$14.00

Business Plus

$21.60

$26.40

$18.00

$22.00







Google Workspace Enterprise

Enterprise Essentials

$12.00

$12.00

$10.00

$10.00

Enterprise Essentials Plus

$24.00

$24.00

$20.00

$20.00

Enterprise Starter

$12.00

$13.20

$10.00

$11.00

Enterprise Standard

$27.60

$32.40

$23.00

$27.00

Enterprise Plus

$36.00

$42.00

$30.00

$35.00

Here's for Canada:

Service

Description

Canada (CAD)

Monthly Flexible Plan

Annual Plan

Old Price

New Price

Old Price

New Price

Google Workspace Starter

Business Starter

$9.36

$11.00

$7.80

$9.20







Google Workspace Business

Business Standard

$18.72

$22.00

$15.60

$18.40

Business Plus

$28.08

$34.40

$23.40

$28.70







Google Workspace Enterprise

Enterprise Essentials

$15.60

$15.60

$13.00

$13.00

Enterprise Essentials Plus

$31.20

$31.20

$26.00

$26.00

Enterprise Starter

$15.60

$17.20

$13.00

$14.40

Enterprise Standard

$36.00

$42.30

$30.00

$35.30

Enterprise Plus

$46.80

$54.60

$39.00

$45.50


Fleeting Opportunities: Don’t Miss Out!


If you are considering upgrading your Google Workspace subscription or switching from a Flexible to an Annual Plan, we recommend taking action before March 14th, 2025.


If your business subscription is currently on the Flexible Plan, you may want to consider switching to an Annual Plan. Although the Flexible Plan offers a month-to-month cost adjustment based on active accounts, many small businesses find that an Annual Plan provides significant cost savings.



Interested in integrating AI into your business? 


Start your free trial of Google Workspace with Gemini and see how it can transform your business. 


AI for your Success. Get a Free Trial. Contact Interlock IT.

Friday, January 10, 2025

Does Google Really Read Your Emails?


Many people think that Google reads your Gmail messages to show you ads, but that has not been true since June 23, 2017, when Google announced it on their blog


How Gmail Ads Actually Work:

  • Personalized Ads: Gmail shows you ads that it thinks you might find interesting. These ads are chosen automatically based on what you do online while signed in to Google.  
  • No Email Scanning: Google does not read your emails to show you ads.  

Your Privacy Matters:

  • Google doesn't sell your information: Google doesn't sell your emails or other personal information.  
  • No Sharing with Advertisers: Google doesn't share your personal information with advertisers unless you tell them to.
  • Sensitive Topics: Google doesn't use things like your race, religion, or health to show you ads.  

Want Fewer Ads?

You can choose to see fewer personalized ads in Gmail. Just go to your Ads Settings and turn off "Ads Personalization." You might still see some ads, but they won't be based on your Google Account information.


In Simple Terms:

Gmail uses information about what you do online (like what you search for) to show you ads that might be helpful. It doesn't read your emails to do this. Google is careful about your privacy and doesn't share your personal information with advertisers unless you say it's okay.  


Always refer to Google's official privacy policy for the most accurate and current information.


Sources: 

https://safety.google/privacy/ads-and-data/

https://support.google.com/mail/answer/6603?hl=en