Gmail Flows: AI Filters Limited to 2,000 Monthly Emails

Gmail recently unveiled a new feature called Gmail Flows, which promises to significantly enhance the efficiency of email filtering through artificial intelligence. However, this innovation comes with a notable constraint for users who receive a large volume of emails.

Key Takeaways

The Gmail Flows feature relies on the use of AI to manage incoming emails more intelligently. It is accessible to Google Workspace users as well as those who subscribe to the paid AI option. However, a monthly limitation could pose challenges for those whose inboxes are particularly busy.

Google has recently expanded access to its Workspace Studio tool, which allows users to automate various tasks within the platform. Initially reserved for Workspace users, this tool is now available to a broader audience.

Sidebar Interface

By clicking on the Gemini icon, users open a sidebar that reveals the scripting tool called Workspace Studio. Scripts created in this environment are referred to as Flows. Google offers starter scripts to guide users in creating their own flows. By selecting "Do more in Studio," users can access additional options.

Setting a Trigger

Each Flow begins with a trigger, or starter, as defined by Google. For example, a user may choose to trigger a flow "When I receive an email." However, this tool does not apply to emails that have already been received, but only to new messages. It is possible to configure the system to scan all emails or only those that meet specific criteria, such as the presence of certain keywords.

Choosing an Action

Once the trigger is in place, it's time to define an action. For instance, AI can be used to determine if an email has journalistic intent. The option "Add labels with Gemini" is particularly suited for this purpose. To take advantage of this feature, it is necessary to enable AI-powered labels.

Limitations of the Feature

Despite its advantages, the Gmail Flows feature is not without limitations. According to Google's documentation, the Pro level, priced at $20/month, allows for the processing of up to 2,000 flows per month. This means the tool can handle 2,000 incoming emails each month, but beyond this threshold, the service stops functioning.

During busy periods, such as major events, it is easy to exceed this limit. For example, in a particularly hectic week, a user may receive 7,724 emails, which would make the Pro level insufficient even for a single week.

Conclusion

Gmail Flows offer considerable potential and represent a major advancement in email management within Gmail. However, for users who receive a high volume of emails, the current restrictions may prove frustrating. For those managing a moderate number of messages, this feature can be extremely beneficial. Conversely, for others, it could become an additional source of frustration.