This week brings exciting news for those who rely on Google Workspace for their daily tasks. A new feature in Gmail, powered by Gemini, allows users to quickly add events to their calendar with just a button. This simplifies the process, which previously required manual addition in a separate window. However, it’s essential to note that this feature is not available to everyone, as it’s restricted to paid tiers, highlighting that the most advanced AI features often come with a cost.

The rollout of this Gemini feature began yesterday and is expected to be completed by mid-next month. As a result, it may take a few weeks for all users to access it. Moreover, users will need a paid subscription to either Google Workspace or Google One AI Premium, which starts at $20 per month and includes 2TB of storage, as well as access to additional Gemini features like Gemini 2.0 Pro and Deep Research.

Many of Gemini’s practical features are only accessible behind a paywall. One of the features I find particularly useful is its ability to process up to 1,500 pages of PDF at a time, which has been incredibly helpful for research. I’ve even used it to analyze birth charts and provide insights into personalities and traits, earning me a reputation among friends as a horoscope expert. This feature has allowed me to make deeper connections between different elements and expand my understanding of various topics.

Despite being familiar with numerous press releases about Gemini’s new features through my work, it wasn’t until recently that I realized I was using a paid feature. Since then, I’ve regularly checked my Google One account for updates and enabled all the “smart” features in my Gmail settings, which rely on AI. These features include the calendar events option, although it hasn’t been rolled out to my account yet.

During my research for this piece, I stumbled upon a dead link to a question asked just nine hours prior, inquiring, “Why are some Gemini features locked behind a paywall?” Despite being a dead link, it still appears in search results. It will be interesting to see if Google addresses this question.