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.

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

Share Passwords Safely with Bitwarden's Secure Sharing

 

Sharing passwords between teams can be a big problem for businesses.

While implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) is a crucial step in enhancing security, relying solely on document-based password sharing can still leave organizations vulnerable to breaches.

The Password Problem

Traditional methods of password sharing, such as emailing passwords or using shared spreadsheets, are highly insecure. These practices leave businesses vulnerable to cyberattacks and data breaches. Hackers can easily exploit weak passwords, phishing attacks, and other malicious tactics to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Human error is the silent threat, responsible for a staggering 88% of data breaches, as revealed by a Stanford study. Such breaches can lead to severe consequences, including business disruptions, damaged reputation, and significant financial losses. In fact, the average cost of a data breach has risen by 10% compared to the previous year, reaching a record high of $4.88 million USD, as reported by IBM.

Take Control of Your Password Security

A password manager, like Bitwarden, is a powerful tool to safeguard your online accounts. By securely storing your credentials, it eliminates the need to remember countless complex passwords. Centralize password security for your entire team with Bitwarden. Experience the following benefits:

1. Secure your credentials
   Bitwarden is a powerful tool that helps you protect your business from cyber threats. It makes it easier for your team to create and manage strong passwords, which can help prevent hackers from gaining access to your sensitive information. By centralizing security management, Bitwarden simplifies the process and makes it easier for everyone to stay safe online.
2. Share strong passwords and 2FA(two-factor authentication) codes with ease
   Bitwarden makes it easy for your team to work together securely. You can quickly and safely share strong passwords, 2FA/time-based one-time passwords (TOTPs), and other important information with your team members, no matter where they are or what device they're using. This helps your team collaborate efficiently while keeping your business safe from cyber threats.
3. Streamline your workflow
   Bitwarden helps your team work faster and more efficiently. With Bitwarden, your team can work securely from anywhere, on any device. They even have offline access to their passwords and other vital information. Plus, Bitwarden supports many different languages, making it easy for teams around the world to collaborate.

Conclusion

It’s important to protect ourselves from hackers. One way to do this is by using strong, unique passwords for each of our online accounts. A password manager like Bitwarden can help us do this easily and securely. By using a password manager, we can keep our information safe and prevent cyberattacks.

What’s New With Gemini: Your AI Assistant, Now on iPhone

Gemini, Google's advanced AI, is now available as a dedicated app for iPhone users. This means you can access its powerful capabilities directly from your device, without needing to rely on the Google app or a web browser. 

Let's explore what you can do with Gemini iPhone app:

• Enjoy a streamlined interface designed specifically for iPhone, with quick access to features that enhance learning, creativity, and productivity.
• Have natural conversations with Gemini Live, asking questions, making requests, or simply chatting. Choose from a variety of voices to personalize your interaction and communicate in multiple languages.
• Enhance your learning experience with Gemini's tailored study plans, interactive quizzes, and step-by-step guidance. Transform text descriptions into stunning, high-quality images with Imagen 3, experimenting with different artistic styles and themes.
• Seamlessly connect with Google apps like YouTube, Maps, Gmail, and Calendar directly within Gemini, streamlining your workflow and unlocking a world of AI-powered possibilities.

The arrival of the Gemini app on iPhone marks a significant step forward in accessible AI. Now accessible on both Android and iOS devices, the Gemini app empowers you with a truly intelligent personal assistant at your fingertips. It can assist you in crafting the perfect email or text message, generating stunning images, and sparking innovative ideas. Get Gemini today on Google Play or the App Store.