Google Tabletop turns group chat debates into collaborative planning tools

Google Labs has introduced a new experimental AI tool called Tabletop, designed to help groups move from endless discussions to actual plans. Announced on November 11, the tool allows users to build interactive planning applications without writing any code, simply by uploading ideas, links, and files into a shared space.

Tabletop works by letting users describe what they need through a mention of @tabletop or by selecting a starter template. The AI then generates a custom tool, such as a vacation itinerary, a dinner poll, an expense splitter, or a tournament bracket. For instance, a group planning a road trip could create an interactive map of stops and add a spinning wheel to decide where to eat. For a pickleball tournament, Tabletop can generate live brackets and voting boards for team merchandise.

Once a shared space is created, users can send an invitation link through their existing group chat. Everyone can then interact with the generated tools simultaneously, much like collaborating on a Google Doc. The tools are not static; users can ask Tabletop to modify them, change rules, or add new features as plans evolve. Google also demonstrated a drag-and-drop seating chart for office parties.

Tabletop builds on Google's earlier AI-powered app-building experiments, Opal and Disco, but focuses on group collaboration. Currently, the tool is available through a waitlist for users aged 18 and older in the United States. Google has not announced wider availability or any future pricing plans.