Google's agentic assistant, Gemini Spark, announced at I/O in May, is now rolling out to users who want to offload routine work. It integrates with Gmail, Docs, Calendar, and Slides, and can take "proactive action" on tasks you describe in plain language. For example, you could ask it to extract client details from emails and log them in a spreadsheet, or set up a tracker for internship applications.
To get started, you need a Google AI Pro or Ultra subscription, though some business subscribers may also have access. The feature is available in the Gemini mobile app, the Mac app, and the web app, and it works with Chrome's auto browse for actions like booking reservations. After opening the Spark menu, you type your task, optionally attach files, and submit. You can then monitor progress under Menu > Spark > Tasks, where you can see completed, current, and planned steps.
Google emphasizes that Spark is not a set-and-forget tool. The company advises keeping an eye on tasks in case the AI needs input, and it warns against putting sensitive information like login or payment details into the task thread. It also cautions against scheduling tasks that could cause harm if a hallucination occurs, especially when you're offline.
In late September, Google said it would replace Gemini Gems with "skills" as the way to define reusable instructions for tasks. Skills can encode things like presentation prep or a specific writing style, and you can invoke them by typing a slash and the skill name when writing a prompt. This shift suggests Google is refining how users control Spark's behavior over time.