Google Drive Adds “Catch Me Up” to Help Users Track File Changes
No more digging through revision history just to figure out what’s new.
Keeping track of changes in shared documents can be tedious, especially when the edits span days, weeks, or even months.
Whether it’s a long-running project, a team folder with multiple collaborators, or a document that’s been gradually updated in the background, figuring out what’s new often means skimming through emails, opening revision histories, or pinging teammates for clarity. To help streamline that process, Google has introduced a new Google Drive feature called “Catch me up.”
The feature, powered by Google Gemini, is designed to show users a summary of file activity since they last viewed a document. It works with Docs, Sheets, Slides, and other Google Drive files, and is accessible via the Gemini side panel or through new icons and chips labelled “Catch me up.” It doesn’t just summarise changes, it highlights what might actually be important, like edits from key collaborators or recent comments that could require attention.
Video Credit: Google
This tool comes in handy not just after short breaks but also for catching up on files that have been in flux over time. For instance, project managers returning to a proposal draft after a week can quickly see what’s changed without digging through each section manually. Students or researchers collaborating on large files can also use it to stay in sync without relying solely on version history logs.
The summaries appear in the same Gemini panel that’s already used for other tasks in Gmail and Docs, such as generating email replies or rewriting content. Similar AI-powered summaries are already offered by tools like Microsoft Copilot in Word or Outlook, and Dropbox has also begun rolling out Dash, a search and summarisation tool for shared files. However, Google’s approach leans on integration, embedding these features into Drive’s existing interface without requiring users to open new apps or windows.
Oyinebiladou Omemu
“Catch me up” began rolling out on June 3 to select users on Google Workspace (Business Standard/Plus, Enterprise Standard/Plus), Gemini Education tiers, and Google One AI Premium.
Available in English only, it’s part of a broader push to integrate Gemini across Workspace. In recent months, Google Drive has introduced AI video summaries, contextual nudges for common actions, and enhanced folder-level analysis. With so many features now Gemini-powered, it’s clear that Google is positioning Gemini as a central hub for its productivity tools.
Emmanuel Oyedeji
