Updated October 2026
An AI agent for Gmail and email that asks before it sends
An AI email agent reads your inbox, works out what needs you, drafts replies and keeps track of what you promised people. The question that matters is who presses send. In CoWork OS the answer is always you: the agent drafts, sorts and reminds, and nothing goes out without your click.
CoWork OS is a free, open-source desktop app for macOS and Windows. Its Inbox Agent runs on your computer with the model you choose, including local models.
What the Inbox Agent does
- Syncs in the background into a local, encrypted cache, so search and summaries are fast and your mail isn't copied to a third-party service.
- Sorts what needs you into lanes such as Unread, Needs reply, Suggested actions and Open commitments.
- Summarises threads and writes editable reply drafts. You can reply, reply-all or forward yourself at any time.
- Tracks commitments it finds in your mail ("I'll send the deck Friday") until you mark them done.
- Cleans up senders you never read, from one cleanup view.
- Answers questions about your mail. Ask from the main composer with
@inbox, for example@inbox what did the accountant ask me for last week?
Who presses send
| Action | What happens |
|---|---|
| Drafting replies | Off until you turn it on from the Draft replies to mail that needs you? card; then it drafts a few replies a day for you to review |
| Sending | Only when you click. Sent mail waits in an outbox for 30 seconds, with Undo send |
| Asking questions about your mail | Read-only by default: it creates drafts for you to review rather than sending, archiving or deleting anything |
| Automatic sending or deleting | Only through explicit rules you set up, and forwarding rules can be tested first |
Everything also follows the task's access profile and the permissions you granted the mail provider.
Connect your mailbox
Gmail or Google Workspace
- Install CoWork OS and connect a model.
- In Settings, open the Google Workspace integration (the Connect Gmail panel).
- Choose a Connection Type: Full Workspace adds Drive, Calendar, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Tasks and Chat; Gmail Only currently needs your own OAuth client.
- Click Connect and sign in with Google. You can add more accounts later.
Other mailboxes
- IMAP and SMTP: Settings → Email, pick your provider preset, and use your password or an app password.
- Outlook.com and Microsoft 365: connect a Microsoft account through your own Entra app registration.
Built-in assistants vs a local email agent
| Assistant built into your mail app | Hosted AI email tools | CoWork OS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where your mail is processed | The provider's cloud | The vendor's servers | Your computer, plus the model you choose |
| Models | The provider's own | The vendor's choice | Any supported provider, or local models |
| Works across Gmail, IMAP and Outlook | Usually one provider | Varies | Yes |
| Commitments and follow-ups | Limited | Varies | Built in |
| Sending | You send | Some auto-send | You send; automation only by explicit rule |
| Cost | Bundled with the plan | Subscription | Free app; model usage billed by your provider |
Good first tasks
- "Summarise everything in Needs reply and draft answers for the three most urgent."
- "List commitments I made this month that are still open."
- "Find newsletters I haven't opened in 60 days and show me the cleanup list."
If you use a cloud model, the parts of a thread needed for a task go to that provider. For mail you'd rather not send anywhere, use a local model with Ollama. See what CoWork OS sends and stores.
Frequently asked questions
Can an AI agent manage my Gmail?
Yes. CoWork OS connects to Gmail or Google Workspace, syncs your mail locally, sorts what needs you, drafts replies and tracks commitments. It never sends without your click.
Will the AI send emails on its own?
Not unless you create an explicit rule for it. By default you send every message, and sent mail waits 30 seconds in an outbox with Undo send.
Does it work with Outlook or IMAP, not just Gmail?
Yes. CoWork OS supports Gmail, IMAP and SMTP mailboxes, and Outlook through your own Microsoft Entra app registration.
Is my email sent to a third party?
Your mail is cached locally and encrypted. When a task uses a cloud model, the relevant parts of a thread go to that model provider. With a local model, nothing leaves your computer.
CoWork OS itself is free and open source. Model providers, gateways, connected services, and account plans may charge separately and apply their own eligibility and usage rules.
Last reviewed 2026-10-23 against official documentation. Features, plans and prices change; check the linked sources before deciding. CoWork OS is not affiliated with Google or Microsoft.