Google Drive adds “Catch me up” Gemini AI feature

Google Drive‘s “Catch me up” feature for Gemini represents a significant advancement in AI-powered document management, offering users a way to quickly understand changes in their files since last viewing them. This productivity-focused update tackles a common pain point for collaborative work, allowing users to stay informed about document edits and comments without manually scanning through files—potentially saving considerable time for teams working across multiple documents.

The big picture: Google is enhancing Workspace productivity by using Gemini AI to automatically track and summarize document changes in Google Drive, creating a more intelligent file management experience.

• The “Catch me up” feature identifies relevant files with changes since a user last viewed them and generates concise summaries of those modifications.
• The functionality works across multiple files or can focus on changes within a single document when requested.

How it works: Users access the feature through a button in the “Ask Gemini” suggestion carousel, with the AI generating bullet-point summaries of document changes.

• The system tracks edits in Google Docs and new comments across Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
• A Gemini circle appears next to file names in list view to indicate changes since last viewing, providing a visual cue for documents requiring attention.

Key details: The feature is rolling out over the coming weeks with availability limited to specific Google Workspace tiers and customers with premium add-ons.

• Access is granted to Google Workspace Business Standard and Plus, Enterprise Standard and Plus, and those with Gemini Education or Education Premium add-ons.
• Google One AI Premium subscribers (now renamed Pro and Ultra) will also receive the functionality.