Google Workspace Updates

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - November 8, 2024

2024-11-08T13:45:00.000-08:00

4 New updates

Unless otherwise indicated, the features below are available to all Google Workspace customers, and are fully launched or in the process of rolling out. Rollouts should take no more than 15 business days to complete if launching to both Rapid and Scheduled Release at the same time. If not, each stage of rollout should take no more than 15 business days to complete.

Import data into group chats using the Google Chat API

In September, we introduced a feature through the Google Workspace Developer Preview Program that enables developers to create group chats in import mode using the spaces.create method when migrating to Google Chat from other messaging platforms. This week, we’re excited to announce that this is now generally available for Google Workspace developers. | Roll out to Rapid Release domains and Scheduled Release domains is complete. | Available to all Google Workspace customers. | Learn more about import mode.

Search for and reuse pre-defined queries from BigQuery in Connected Sheets

Currently, users can define saved queries in BigQuery Studio and notebooks, but they cannot reuse those queries in Connected Sheets without copy/pasting them. This week, we’re excited to announce that users can now search for and reuse pre-defined queries directly from BigQuery to load Connected Sheets data. To do so, go to Connection Settings > Edit connection > Saved queries and query editor and search for your query by project. | Rolling out now to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains at an extended rollout pace (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility), with expectation completion by December 6, 2024. | Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about writing & editing a query and getting started with BigQuery data in Google Sheets.

Launching to beta: Import sensitive Microsoft Word documents as client-side encrypted Google Docs.

Beginning this week, eligible customers can import and convert sensitive Microsoft Word files into Google Docs with client-side encryption. When collaborating with external and internal stakeholders, you may find yourself working across both Google Docs and Microsoft Word. This update keeps your work moving by layering interoperability on top of the confidentiality benefits of client-side encryption: customers are in direct control of their encryption keys and the identity service that they choose to authenticate for those keys. Eligible Google Workspace admins can use this form to request access to the beta. | Available to Google Workspace Enterprise Plus, Education Plus, and Education Standard customers. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about client-side encryption. More specific instructions will be shared once you’re accepted into the beta.

Select Google Chat settings can now be applied at the group level

Admins can now apply the following Google Chat settings at the group level:

While these settings can also be configured at the Organizational Unit (OU) level, this update provides more granular control for admins. This is critical for our customers, who frequently request more flexibility in how they apply settings, giving them more flexibility on how to configure settings based on the various needs of their users. | Roll out to Rapid Release domains and Scheduled Release domains is complete. | Available to all Google Workspace customers.

Previous announcements

The announcements below were published on the Workspace Updates blog earlier this week. Please refer to the original blog posts for complete details.

View in-meeting chat messages in Google Meet live streams

Starting this week, when you’re viewing a Google Meet live stream, you will be able to see chat messages that are sent by participants who have joined via the meeting link. | Learn more about in-meeting chat messages in Meet live streams.

Now generally available: use Gemini in the side panel of Workspace apps in seven additional languages

Beginning this week, select users can use Gemini in the side panel of Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Drive, and Gmail, in seven additional languages: French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish. | Learn more about additional Gemini languages.

Announcing general availability of Google Vids: Our new AI-powered video creation app for work to help tell stories across your organization

Earlier this year, we announced Google Vids, the newest productivity app in our suite of Google Workspace products. Vids is an AI-powered video creation app for work designed to help teams in customer service, learning and development, project ops and marketing tell more engaging stories at work through video. This week, we’re excited to announce the general availability of Google Vids for select Workspace editions. | Learn more about Vids.

Google Vids is now available for Google Workspace for Education, providing easy video creation for teaching and learning

Earlier this year, we announced Google Vids would soon empower educators and students to easily create and collaborate with video. This week, we’re excited to announce the general availability of Google Vids for Education Plus and Gemini for Workspace customers. | Learn more about Vids for EDU.

Introducing a refreshed library of high-quality Google Slides templates that elevate your presentations

We’re introducing a new collection of modern, professionally designed templates in Google Slides to help users build presentations much faster. These new templates cater to a wide range of use cases that provide users with the perfect starting point for their presentations. | Learn more about Slides templates.

Expanding access to the Gemini app for teen students in education

Completed rollouts

The features below completed their rollouts to Rapid Release domains, Scheduled Release domains, or both. Please refer to the original blog posts for additional details.

Rapid Release Domains:

Scheduled Release Domains:

Catch up on followed threads from the home shortcut in Google Chat (Android)

Rapid and Scheduled Release Domains:

Paused rollouts

We have paused the rollout for this feature while we evaluate performance and quality. We will provide an update with new rollout information as soon as possible.

Use intelligent suggestions for table conversion in Google Sheets

For a recap of announcements in the past six months, check out What’s new in Google Workspace (recent releases).

Expanding access to the Gemini app for teen students in education

2024-11-08T08:42:00.000-08:00

What’s changing

Google Workspace for Education admins can now turn on the Gemini app with added data protection as an additional service for their teen users (ages 13+ or the applicable age in your country) in the following languages and countries. With added data protection, chats are not reviewed by human reviewers or otherwise used to improve AI models. The Gemini app will be a core service in the coming weeks for Education Standard and Plus users, including teens,

We created this Gemini experience for teens after consulting with child development and learning science experts - including conducting learning focused red teaming, an industry standard testing process to find vulnerabilities in generative AI - and testing with youth advisory panels to ensure we’re bringing this technology to students responsibly.

Gemini can help teen students learn responsibly and confidently in an AI-first future.

Who’s impacted

Admins and end users

Why it’s important

Google is committed to making AI helpful for everyone, in the classroom and beyond. We want to both prepare teens with the skills and tools they need to thrive in the future where GenAI exists and help them learn how this technology can be used to unlock creativity and facilitate learning. Expanding access to the Gemini app to younger students provides guided support to help them learn more confidently with in-the-moment assistance, practice materials, and real-time feedback.

Additional details

Upon accessing the Gemini app for the first time, teens will be guided through an AI Literacy video, endorsed by ConnectSafely and Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI)--with tips on how to use generative AI responsibly. And according to Common Sense Media, the Gemini teen experience is considered “low risk” and is designated as “designed for kids”.

“Google's Gemini, which is currently the only major platform to create a specific experience for teens, includes additional CSAM (child sexual abuse material) safeguards, content policies, and in-product experiences that help teens understand the limitations of generative AI." - Common Sense Media

Getting started

Admins: Visit the Help Center to learn more about turning Gemini on or off as an additional service, as well as controlling access to Google services by age.
End users: If enabled by your admin, visit the Help Center to learn more about using Gemini Apps with a school account.

Rollout pace

Available now.

Availability

Available for Google Workspace Education Fundamentals, Standard, Plus and the Teaching & Learning Upgrade

Resources

Introducing a refreshed library of high-quality Google Slides templates that elevate your presentations

2024-11-07T14:00:00.000-08:00

What’s changing

Sales pitches, product roadmaps and strategic plans templates for business users.
Lesson plans, book reports and project reports templates for education users.
Milestone celebrations, workshop facilitation and team game templates for anyone looking to build collaborative teams.

Access these templates using the new "Templates" button in the Slides toolbar or by going to Insert > Templates. Once clicked, you can browse the collection, select a template that aligns with your vision and style, and choose to insert all slides or just the ones you need before personalizing the template with your own content.

Who’s impacted

End users

Why you’d use it

Slides templates enable users to jumpstart their presentation, maintain a consistent look and feel, and focus on what matters most. More specifically, they help users overcome the blank canvas and spend less time on design by enabling them to dive straight into crafting compelling content that is visually cohesive and professional.

Additional details

You can expect even more high-quality Slides template options in the coming months.

Getting started

Admins: This feature will be ON by default for domains that do not have default templates & themes turned ON. Domains that have default templates & themes turned ON, will continue to see their company specific template. Visit the Help Center to learn more about default templates & themes.
End users:

In Google Slides, access templates using the top toolbar or by going to Insert > Templates. Visit the Help Center to learn more about templates in Google Slides.
Note: This feature is only available for users using the "English (United States)" language setting. If your language settings are set to another form of English (eg - "English (United Kingdom)" or "English (Australia)", you will not have access to these templates. Visit the Help Center to learn more about updating your language.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on November 7, 2024
Scheduled Release domains: Full rollout (1–3 days for feature visibility) starting on November 21, 2024

Availability

Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts (using the "English (United States)" language setting)

Resources

Google Help: Use a Template or change the theme, background, or layout in Google Slides

Google Vids is now available for Google Workspace for Education, providing easy video creation for teaching and learning

2024-11-07T11:05:00.000-08:00

What’s changing

Earlier this year, we announced Google Vids would soon empower educators and students to easily create and collaborate with video. Today, we’re excited to announce the general availability of Google Vids for Education Plus and Gemini for Workspace customers.

Vids can help deepen learning opportunities, up-level instruction, and inspire the next generation of storytellers in a variety of scenarios, for example:

Educators can support diverse learning styles and help students retain information with instructional videos and deep dives on complex concepts.
Students can work on video projects and review recorded lessons.
Education leaders can easily incorporate video in their school newsletters and create internal training videos for staff.

Similar to other productivity tools like Docs, Sheets, and Slides, Vids includes a simple, easy-to-use interface and the ability to collaborate in real-time and share projects securely from your browser. You can easily get started with a variety of templates organized by use cases to create a new video. From there, you can add motion with animations, transitions, and photo effects, and customize your video using the Vids royalty free education-friendly stock content library or your own media directly from Google Drive or Google Photos. Vids is also integrated with Workspace tools like Google Classroom, empowering educators to easily assign video projects or post video explainers right to their students. As detailed here, Google Vids is a core Workspace Service covered under the Google Workspace for Education terms of service.

Users 18 years and older with a Gemini Education or Education Premium add-on will also have access to Gemini in Vids, giving them the ability to produce polished videos even faster with the help of AI. ‘Help me create’ can generate a fully editable initial storyboard using a prompt and a doc from your Google Drive. After choosing a style, Gemini pieces together your video draft with suggested scenes, including recommended stock media, text, scripts per scene, and even a background music track.

Getting started

Admins:

Vids will be ON by default and can be disabled at the organizational level. However, if Google Docs are turned OFF in your domain, Vids access will be unavailable.
Visit the Help Center to learn more about turning Vids on or off for users and new core services coming to Google Workspace for Education.

End users:

To start, open Google Vids and choose an option to create a new video. You can create a new video or make a copy of an existing video for editing.
You can use Vids on your computer with the two most recent versions of these browsers:

Chrome
Firefox
Windows only: Microsoft Edge
Other browsers may work, but you might not be able to use all of the features.

Dive into Google Vids with our free, self-paced online training course, designed specifically for educators and available now in the Google for Education Learning Center. You can also leverage this one pager to get a quick summary of what you can do with Vids.
Currently, Vids is available in the user’s local language, but the AI features (e.g. Help me create a video, read-along teleprompter) and templates are only available in English at this time.
Visit the Help Center to learn more about getting started with Google Vids.
Note: Create and copy access is available for Education Plus and Gemini for Google Workspace customers, while view and collaborate access is available to anyone with a Google Workspace for Education license.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on November 7, 2024

Availability

Available for Google Workspace:

Education Plus
Customers with a Gemini Education or Education Premium add-on

Resources

Announcing general availability of Google Vids: Our new AI-powered video creation app for work to help tell stories across your organization

2024-11-07T11:04:00.000-08:00

What’s changing

Today, we’re excited to announce the general availability of Google Vids for select Workspace editions. Here’s how you can use it:

Customer service teams are using Vids to provide better customer support, supplementing help center articles with videos.
Leaders are creating vids to share company-wide updates and announcements.
Learning and development teams are using Vids to deliver employee training and education at scale.
Marketers are using vids inside their organizations to share recaps on their campaigns and events.
Project management teams are building vids to share meeting recaps, business updates and report share outs.

With Vids, you can easily build videos by tapping into the power of Gemini to help you get to a first draft faster using a set of generative AI capabilities. ‘Help me create’ can generate a fully editable initial storyboard using a prompt and a doc from your Google Drive. After choosing a style, Gemini pieces together your video draft with suggested scenes, including recommended stock media, text, scripts per scene, and even a background music track.

You can also start with a variety of use-cased based templates to create a new video. From there, you can add motion with animations, transitions, and photo effects, and customize your video using the Vids royalty free stock content library or your own media directly from Google Drive or Google Photos.

With ‘Help me create’, Gemini suggests scripts to get you started or you can write your own. You can easily add a voiceover by either choosing from one of Gemini’s preset AI voices or by recording your own voice using a teleprompter with Gemini read-along and rolling features that help you record your message with confidence. You can also use the Vids’ in-product recording studio to:

Add a video recording of yourself.
Add a screen recording with narration.
Add a screen recording with video recording.
Add audio-only recording.

In summary, Vids enables you to produce engaging videos that help scale your message, build connections and break through the noise across your organization.

Who’s impacted

End users

Why you’d use it

We know that creating and editing video has felt challenging because in the past it has required special skills or licensing, but with Google Vids the power of storytelling is in your hands. Now teams can build and tell compelling stories at work, scaling and landing their message to engage coworkers in an effective way.

Additional details

While previously only available to Gemini for Google Workspace customers, with this launch Google Vids is expanding to select Workspace subscription plans.

Users will have full access to AI-powered features* in Google Vids like "Help me create" and AI voiceovers until at least December 31, 2025. Usage limits for these AI-powered features may apply beginning in 2026. We'll notify you before any change goes into effect.

*Vids generative AI features include Help me create, Generate a voiceover, Remove image backgrounds, Generate an image, Recording studio read-along teleprompter.

To learn more about Vids features and capabilities for Google Workspace for Education customers, refer to this Workspace Updates Blog.

Getting started

Admins: Vids will be ON by default and can be disabled at the organizational level. Visit the Help Center to learn more about turning Vids on or off for users and new core services coming to Google Workspace.
End users:

To start, open Google Vids and choose an option to create a new video. You can create a new video or make a copy of an existing video for editing. Visit the Help Center to learn more about getting started with Google Vids.
You can use Vids on your computer with the two most recent versions of these browsers:

Chrome
Firefox
Windows only: Microsoft Edge
Other browsers may work, but you might not be able to use all of the features.

You can access our always-on resources in the Google Workspace Learning Center to learn what you can do with Google Vids.
Currently, Vids is available in the user’s local language, but the AI features (e.g. Help me create, read-along teleprompter) are only available in English at this time.
Note: View and collaborate access is available to anyone with a Google Workspace account, while create and copy access is available for select editions of Google Workspace and Gemini for Google Workspace customers.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on November 7, 2024

Availability

Available for Google Workspace:

Business Standard and Plus
Enterprise Standard and Plus
Essentials, Enterprise Essentials and Enterprise Essentials Plus
Education Plus*
Customers with a Gemini Business, Enterprise, Education* or Education Premium* add-on

*Please refer to the following Workspace Updates Blog to learn more about Vids availability for Google Workspace for Education customers.

Resources

Now generally available: use Gemini in the side panel of Workspace apps in seven additional languages

2024-11-07T08:03:00.000-08:00

What’s changing

Beginning today, all users* can use Gemini in the side panel of Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Drive, and Gmail, in seven additional languages:

French
German
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Portuguese
Spanish

Gemini in the side panel of Gmail in Spanish

With Gemini in the side panel of your Workspace apps, you can get help summarizing, analyzing, and generating content by utilizing insights gathered from your emails, documents, and more—all without switching applications or tabs. Check out our original announcements for Gemini in the side panel of Docs, Sheets, and Drive, and Gmail for even more information.

*Available for Workspace customers with a Gemini Business, Gemini Enterprise, Gemini Education, and Gemini Education Premium add-on.

Additional details

While Gemini in the side panel of Docs, Sheets, Drive, and Gmail, is generally available in these additional languages - as we keep rolling out more Gemini alpha features in the side panel, end users with Gemini alpha features turned on may continue to see the “Alpha” badge.
Image generation is not supported yet in these additional languages.
Gemini in the side panel of Slides is only available in English at this time.

Getting started

Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
End users: You can access the side panel by clicking on “Ask Gemini” (spark button) in the top right corner of Docs, Sheets, Drive, and Gmail on the web. Visit the Help Center to learn more about collaborating with Gemini in the side panel of Docs, Sheets, Drive, and Gmail. Note that for accessing other Gemini for Google Workspace features that are supported in English only, you will need to set your Google Account language to English.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on November 7, 2024
Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on November 21, 2024

Availability

Available for Google Workspace customers with a:

Gemini Business or Enterprise add-on
Gemini Education or Education Premium add-on
Google One AI Premium

Resources

View in-meeting chat messages in Google Meet live streams

2024-11-06T12:09:00.000-08:00

What’s changing

Starting today, when you’re viewing a Google Meet live stream, you will be able to see chat messages that are sent by participants who have joined via the meeting link. This update helps ensure that information shared through Meet chat messages — like links to relevant documents, time-keeping messages, and more — are also visible to live-stream attendees, making meetings more equitable. Previously, in-call chat messages were only visible to hosts, co-hosts, participants and viewers who were in the main meeting. Once you receive the update, you'll see a notification the next time chat messages are sent during a live stream. When you click the notification, the chat panel will open.

Chat messages viewed from a live stream

Getting started

Admins: Visit the Help Center to learn more about turning live streaming on or off for your organization.
End users:

Meeting hosts: Visit the Help Center to learn more about live streaming for video hosts.
Live stream viewers: No action required – you’ll automatically see in-meeting chats when watching a live stream.

Rollout pace

Important note: this feature will roll out at a much slower pace than usual as we approach the end of the year. We will update this post to confirm when rollout has completed for Fast and Rapid release tracks respectively.

Rapid Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on November 18, 2024. We anticipate that rollout will be completed sometime during the week of December 5, 2024.
Scheduled Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on January 6, 2025. We anticipate that rollout will be completed by end of Q1 2025.

Availability

The following Google Workspace editions can initiate a live stream:

Enterprise Starter, Standard, Plus and Enterprise Essentials Plus
Education Plus and the Teaching & Learning upgrade

Anyone can view a live stream.

Resources

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - November 1, 2024

2024-11-01T14:26:00.000-07:00

4 New updates

Unless otherwise indicated, the features below are available to all Google Workspace customers, and are fully launched or in the process of rolling out. Rollouts should take no more than 15 business days to complete if launching to both Rapid and Scheduled Release at the same time. If not, each stage of rollout should take no more than 15 business days to complete.

Apply black & white filter to Google Drive scans on Android devices

In August, we announced that you can now save files scanned in the Google Drive Android app as a .JPEG. This week, we’re excited to introduce an additional scanning option that gives you the ability to apply a black & white filter on your document scans. This new filter helps enhance texts and other important elements, ensuring they are sharply defined when compared to the background region. | Rolling out now to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains. | Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about scanning files with your mobile device.

AI Classification now supports Field Selection for Model Training

When AI Classification first launched, Labels eligible for model training needed to have a single field of either a badge or option-list field type, and Labels with multiple fields were ineligible. Now, customers that use AI Classification will be able to select which badge or option list field they would like to train a model for after identifying the target label. Once trained and enabled, the AI model will automatically apply the label and will only populate the selected field. | Roll out to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains is complete. | Available to customers with the AI Security add-on, Gemini Enterprise add-on, and Gemini Education Premium. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about Label Google Drive files automatically using AI classification.

Reducing noise from unfollowed threads in Google Chat

In order to make it easier to identify which unread threads are most relevant to you, we’re reducing the noise by removing visual cues from threads that you do not follow in Google Chat. Starting this week, new activity, such as unread messages from threads you do not follow, will no longer bold and appear at the top of your conversation lists. | Rolling out now to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains on web and mobile at an extended rollout pace (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility). | Available to all Google Workspace customers.

Introducing a better filter by condition experience for tables in Google Sheets

Tables in Google Sheets will now provide users with a smarter filter by condition experience. Sheets offers 21 options for users to filter by condition, such as “Date is” or “Text ends with”. However, we know there are scenarios in which certain filters might not be applicable based on the type of data in a spreadsheet. Based on the set column type, users will now only see relevant filter by condition options. For example, if your column type is set to number, the filter options will be number-based only. | Roll out to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains is complete. | Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about sorting & filtering your data.

Previous announcements

The announcements below were published on the Workspace Updates blog earlier this week. Please refer to the original blog posts for complete details.

Refine emails faster with updates to the “Polish” shortcut in Gmail

We’re expanding the Help me write shortcut to web and introducing a Polish shortcut on web and mobile that helps you refine emails even faster. | Learn more about email shortcuts in Gmail.

Google Classroom now supports exporting missing and excused grades to select Student Information Systems (SIS)

Teachers can now include missing and excused grades when exporting grades to their Student Information Systems (SIS). | Learn more about exporting missing and excused grades to select Student Information Systems (SIS).

New density setting in Google Chat

To give users more control over how they see information in Google Chat, we’re introducing a new setting that allows you to control the visual density of screen elements. Choose between “Comfortable” or “Compact” on chat.google.com. | Learn more about density settings in Chat.

Context Aware Access insights and recommendations are now generally available

FedRAMP High authorization for Gemini for Workspace

As recently announced, we submitted our package to obtain FedRAMP High authorization for Gemini for Workspace, including the Gemini app. A FedRAMP High certification assures federal agencies in the United States that a cloud service provides the highest level of protection for their most sensitive data, enabling them to confidently leverage cloud technologies for critical operations. | Learn more about FedRAMP High authorization for Gemini.

Gemini in the side panel of Google Chat is now available

We’re expanding Gemini in Chat to help users collaborate more effectively in their spaces, group messages and direct messages. | Learn more about Gemini in the side panel of Chat.

Data classifications labels for Gmail are now available in open beta

In addition to Google Drive, we’re expanding data classification labels to now include Gmail. Classification labels are used to classify and audit content according to organizational guidelines (“Sensitive”, “Confidential”, etc.) and apply policies, such as data loss prevention (DLP) rules, to protect sensitive information in email messages. Classification labels will be available when using Gmail on the web – support for Gmail on mobile devices will be introduced in the coming months. | Learn more about the beta for data classifications labels for Gmail.

Completed rollouts

The features below completed their rollouts to Rapid Release domains, Scheduled Release domains, or both. Please refer to the original blog posts for additional details.

Rapid Release Domains:

Scheduled Release Domains:

Rapid and Scheduled Release Domains:

Introducing security advisor, a new set of tools and insights to help small businesses protect their organization against cyber attacks
New Watermarking in Google Meet Helps Protect Your Meeting Content
Gmail Q&A now available on iOS devices
Third-party smart chips now available in Google Sheets
Create an email for a Google Chat space from the Admin console (email conversations sent to spaces now show replies in a thread instead of as separate cards in the message stream)
Context Aware Access insights and recommendations are now generally available

For a recap of announcements in the past six months, check out What’s new in Google Workspace (recent releases).

Data classifications labels for Gmail are now available in open beta

2024-11-01T09:57:00.000-07:00

What’s changing

Who’s impacted

Admins and end users

Why it’s important

Data breaches are increasingly common and costly across all sectors, including enterprises, public sectors, and government institutions. To minimize data exfiltration and better understand the data being shared, organizations need to differentiate between various types of information and their sensitivity levels to apply data protection policies accordingly. By expanding data classification labels to Gmail, Google Workspace provides admins with a more flexible and robust system integrated with data protection capabilities to help organizations effectively categorize and protect sensitive information.

Specifically, admins can create:

New classification labels or extend existing ones enabled in Drive labels for Gmail from the Label Manager. Labels can be used to denote department names, document types, document status, and other custom categories.

The Label Manager tool can be accessed in the Admin console by going to Security > Access and data control

Data protection rules with classification label as a condition, to apply actions to a message based on its classification. For example, a message will be blocked if it’s classified as ‘Internal’ and is being sent to an external recipient.

Notification about delivery failure due to DLP policy, blocking messages labeled as ‘Confidential’ to be sent to recipients outside of the organization

Data protection rules to automatically apply classification labels to a message, based on its content. For example, a ‘Confidential’ label can be applied to a message if it contains sensitive financial information, such as credit card or bank account numbers.

Data protection rule with ‘Apply a label’ action. Classification label specified in the rule will be applied to a message, if message contains information matching conditions of the rule

DLP rules with Confidential Mode as a condition to prevent sending messages with sensitive information, if it is not encrypted (Confidential Mode is not enabled)

Data protection rule is set up to detect messages with sensitive information (credit card or passport numbers) and confidential mode disabled in order to enforce sending such info with enhanced protection measures

End users can view and apply Classification Labels when using Gmail on the web.

Users can apply classification labels to a message, according to the organization’s data governance policies

Additional details

When Data loss prevention (DLP) rules for Gmail using classification labels either as a condition or as an action, messages are scanned asynchronously. This means that the message is classified, blocked or quarantined after it leaves the sender's mailbox) and before being dispatched to the recipient. In a future release, we plan to provide synchronous support with instant notifications consistent with our synchronous support of instant DLP enforcement for Gmail.

Note that:

If the message is blocked as a result of the classification label applied to it, the sender will get a bounce back message.
If the message is automatically labeled by a DLP rule, the sender will not see the label reflected in the sent message. The recipient will see the automatically applied label the same way as any other classification label applied manually by the sender.

Only Badged options list and Multiple Options list (Single select) field types are supported in Gmail. If classification labels are enabled for usage in both Gmail and Drive, and it contains fields that are not supported in Gmail, such as date or persona, Gmail users will see the label only with fields of the supported types.

Getting started

Admins:

Gmail classification labels can be enabled at the domain, group level, or individual user level. You also have the option to enable existing classification labels used in Drive for use in Gmail. The Label Manager tool can be accessed by going to Security > Access and data control or admin.google.com/ac/dc/labels in the Admin console.
Visit the Help Center to learn more about getting started with classification labels, Gmail DLP & automatic classification labels, and preventing data leaks in email and attachments.
Note: Labels can be viewed by any admin in your organization with the Manage Labels privilege. They can also be visible to everyone in your organization based on the label’s permissions settings.

End users: If configured by your admin, you’ll see the “Classification” option when composing a new messaging or replying to an existing message — when you open the menu, you can select labels relevant to your message. Visit the Help Center to learn more about adding classification labels in Gmail.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on November 1, 2024

Availability

The Label Manager and manual classification is available to Google Workspace:

Frontline Starter and Standard
Business Standard and Plus
Enterprise Standard and Plus
Education Standard and Education Plus
Essentials, Enterprise Essentials, and Enterprise Essentials Plus

Data loss prevention rules with labels as a condition or labels as an action are available to:

Enterprise Standard and Plus
Education Fundamentals, Standard, Plus, and the Teaching & Learning Upgrade
Frontline Standard
Cloud Identity Premium (in combination with a Workspace Edition eligible for Gmail)

Resources

Gemini in the side panel of Google Chat is now available

2024-11-01T09:34:00.000-07:00

What’s changing

For the last few months, users with the Gemini for Google Workspace add-ons and Gemini Education add-ons have used Gemini in the side panel of Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive to assist them with summarizing, analyzing, and generating content through insights gathered from their emails, documents, and more. Earlier this month, Gemini add-on subscribers began using Gemini in Google Chat for summaries of unread conversations in the home view.

Today, we’re expanding Gemini in Chat to help users collaborate more effectively in their spaces, group messages and direct messages. With Gemini in the side panel of Chat, you can:

Summarize a space or conversation. Examples include asking Gemini the following:

"Summarize this conversation."
"What are the key takeaways in this conversation?”
After an initial summary is generated, you can ask for a longer summary, "Give me a detailed summary of [topic] discussed in this space."

Generate a list of action items from that space or conversation, such as:

"What are the action items in this conversation?”
“Are there any action items for me in this conversation?"
“Summarize [person's] action items in this space”

Answer specific questions about that space or conversation by asking:

“What did [person] say about the timeline extension in this space?”
“What’s the decision on the project discussed in this conversation?"

Who’s impacted

End users

Why you’d use it

Gemini in the side panel of Chat enables you to better collaborate with your team by helping you quickly catch up on missed conversations, capture action items, or search for key details that are easy to miss in a fast-moving space.

Additional details

At this time, Gemini in the side panel of Chat can summarize and analyze messages in the conversation that you are currently viewing. It will not summarize or analyze context across your entire Chat conversation history, your Gmail inbox or your Drive files.

Getting started

Admins: To access Gemini in the side panel of Workspace apps, users need to have smart features and personalization turned on. Admins can turn on default personalization setting for their users in the Admin console.
End users: On web from chat.google.com, click on a space, thread, or message, then click the "Ask Gemini” icon at the top of the page to open Gemini in the side panel of Chat. From there, you can select from suggested prompts or type in your own query. Visit the Help Center to learn more about collaborating with Gemini in Google Chat and ensuring your smart feature settings are turned on.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on November 1, 2024
Scheduled Release domains: Full rollout (1–3 days for feature visibility) starting on November 18, 2024

Availability

Available for Google Workspace customers with a:

Gemini Business and Enterprise add-on
Gemini Education and Education Premium add-on

Resources

FedRAMP High authorization for Gemini for Workspace

2024-11-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

What’s changing

Additional details

Our current FedRAMP submission does not include Data Location. We’re targeting FedRAMP High with Data Location at a later date.
The package is pending review by the Joint Authorization Board (JAB), who does not provide guidance on review timelines. Refer to the FedRAMP compliance page to view a copy of our submission.

Getting started

Admins:

Visit the Help Center to learn more about how Google Workspace satisfies certification and compliance standards.
Visit the Help Center to learn more about turning Gemini (gemini.google.com) on or off for your users and about Gemini for Google Workspace in general.

Availability

Available for Google Workspace customers with these add-ons:

Gemini Business
Gemini Enterprise
Gemini Education
Gemini Education Premium

Available for Google Workspace customers accessing the Gemini app as a core service with these editions:

Business Starter, Business Standard, Business Plus
Enterprise Starter, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus
Frontline Starter, Frontline Standard
Essentials, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Essentials Plus
Google Workspace for Nonprofits
Education Standard, Education Plus

Resources

Context Aware Access insights and recommendations are now generally available

2024-10-31T11:09:00.000-07:00

What’s changing

We’re making it easier to apply context-aware access (CAA) policies with new insights and recommendations. We’ll proactively surface potential security gaps and suggest pre-built CAA levels which admins can deploy to remediate the security gaps. These insights will be surfaced to customers, if they have not deployed any CAA policies to their users. When you deploy a recommendation, it will first be placed in Monitor Mode, so you can understand how the policy will block user access over time, and can be reviewed in the CAA audit logs.

With this release, we’ve also added the ability for admins to customize the recommendations as they see fit before they’re applied broadly. Additionally, we’ll send primary admins an email on a quarterly basis with insights and actionable recommendations.

Who’s impacted

Admins

Why it’s important

Using Context-Aware Access, admins can set up different access levels based on a user’s identity and the context of the request (location, device security status, IP address). This can help provide granular access controls without the need for a VPN, and give users access to Google Workspace resources based on organizational policies. Insights and recommendations help admins improve the cybersecurity posture of their organization by proactively identifying areas that need attention, significantly reducing the need for admins to identify these risks themselves. For example, if we detect devices with outdated operating system versions accessing corporate Workspace data, we can surface this as an Insight & pair it with a recommendation to block such devices from accessing Workspace data with a few clicks.

Getting started

Admins: Visit the Help Center to learn more about protecting your business with Context-Aware Access and applying recommended access levels.

End users: There is no end user impact or action required.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Available now.

Availability

Available to Google Workspace

Enterprise Standard and Plus
Education Standard and Plus
Enterprise Essentials Plus
Also available to Cloud Identity Premium customers

Resources

Google Workspace Admin Help: Protect your business with Context-Aware Access

New density setting in Google Chat

2024-10-30T12:10:00.000-07:00

What’s changing

Comfortable mode, the default setting, reflects Chat’s modernized design, in line with Google Material Design 3, and clearly differentiates message bubbles.
Compact mode is for users who prefer to see more information at a time with less scrolling. With this option, you’ll notice:

Message bubbles that are aligned in the same direction for both sender and recipient
Wider message bubbles
Padding in the left bar, conversation list, and home.

Getting started

Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
End users:

To modify density settings, go to chat.google.com > Settings > Density > Compact. Users can revert this to the default at any time by going to chat.google.com > Settings > Density > Comfortable.
Those who use Compact density setting in Gmail will also see Chat in Gmail in compact mode. Users can adjust their Gmail and Chat-in-Gmail density settings by going to Gmail > Settings > Density.
Visit the Help Center to learn more about using Compact mode in Google Chat.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on October 30, 2024
Scheduled Release domains: Full rollout (1–3 days for feature visibility) starting on December 2, 2024

Availability

Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts on web

Resources

Google Classroom now supports exporting missing and excused grades to select Student Information Systems (SIS)

2024-10-29T13:41:00.000-07:00

What’s changing

Last year, we introduced the ability for teachers to mark an assignment for a particular student as “excused” instead of giving it a 0-100 score. We also added the ability to manually mark an assignment as “missing” or “complete” and automatically add a default draft score.

These updates give teachers even more flexibility when it comes to grading for assignments and classwork, and today we’re excited to announce that teachers can include missing and excused grades when exporting grades to their Student Information Systems (SIS).

Getting started

Admins: Once an admin establishes a connection between their SIS and Google Classroom, teachers can include missing and excused grades when they export grades from Classroom to their SIS. Visit the Help Center to learn more about connecting your Classroom to your SIS.
End users: If your admin has connected to your SIS, you can export missing or excused grades by going to classroom.google.com > select the class > “Grades” > “SIS export.” Visit the Help Center to learn more about using Classroom with your SIS, exporting grades to your Student Information System (SIS) gradebook.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Full rollout (1–3 days for feature visibility) starting on October 29, 2024

Availability

Available for Google Workspace:

Education Plus and the Teaching & Learning Upgrade

Resources

Refine emails faster with updates to the “Polish” shortcut in Gmail

2024-10-28T11:25:00.000-07:00

What’s changing

In August, we announced Help me write and Refine my draft shortcuts on mobile devices. Today, we’re excited to expand the Help me write shortcut to web and introduce a Polish shortcut on web and mobile that helps you refine emails even faster.

On web, the Help me write shortcut will now appear in the body of the email when an email draft is empty. The Polish shortcut will appear for drafts with 12+ words, and pressing the shortcut text or typing Option+H will automatically show a polished email output.

On mobile, the Help me write shortcut will continue to appear in the body of the email when an email draft is empty. The Polish shortcut will now appear for drafts with 12+ words. Swiping on the shortcut text will automatically show a polished email output. From there, users can tap a refinement chip (Formalize, Elaborate or Shorten) to edit the draft in place.

Getting started

Admins: This feature will be ON by default and there is no admin control for this feature. Visit the Help Center to learn more about Gemini for Google Workspace.
End users: This feature will be ON by default and cannot be disabled by the user. Visit the Help Center to learn more about drafting emails with Gemini in Gmail.

Rollout pace

Web:

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on October 28, 2024

Android & iOS:

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Available now.

Availability

Available for Google Workspace customers with:

Gemini Business and Enterprise add-on
Gemini Education and Education Premium add-on
Google One AI Premium

Resources

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - October 25, 2024

2024-10-25T13:29:00.000-07:00

New updates

There are no new updates to share this week. Please see below for a recap of published announcements.

Previous announcements

The announcements below were published on the Workspace Updates blog earlier this week. Please refer to the original blog posts for complete details.

Preview summaries of unread conversations in the Google Chat home view with the help of Gemini

Gemini in Google Chat can now help you catch up on unread conversations in the Chat home view with summaries. | Learn more about summaries in Chat home.

Expanding Google Workspace extensions available in open beta for the Gemini app

Earlier this year, we launched Google Workspace extensions for Gmail, Google Drive and Google Docs in open beta for the Gemini app. Now, we’re pleased to announce that Google Calendar, Google Keep and Google Tasks are also available as Workspace extensions in the Gemini app. | Learn more about extensions in the Gemini app.

Improved comments experience in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides on Android tablets

Earlier this year, we introduced a new comments experience in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides on web. This week, we announced a similar update to Android tablets for viewing, navigating, and replying to comments, especially on-the-go. | Learn more about comments on Android tablets.

A smoother, more modern video player in Google Drive

We’ve introduced a new look and feel, and enhanced functionality for the video player within Google Drive that makes it easier and more enjoyable to watch your videos. | Learn more about the video player in Drive.

Introducing a new look and feel for Google Calendar on the web

This week, you’ll notice a refreshed user interface in Google Calendar that is in line with Google Material Design 3 and includes: 1) Controls (like buttons, dialogs, and sidebars) that are more modern and accessible, 2) Interface typography that uses Google’s custom-designed and highly-legible typefaces, and 3) Iconography that is legible and crisp, with a fresh feel. | Learn more about the new look of Calendar.

Audit security settings using the Policy API, now available in open beta

Simplifying the management of Workspace settings continues to be a priority for us. To that end, we’re introducing new tools to help streamline the process for admins. Launching to open beta this week, we’re pleased to introduce the Policy API, which will help super admins programmatically access information regarding how their Google Workspace environment service level settings and rules are configured. | Learn more about the Policy API beta.

The Gemini app is now a core service with enterprise-grade data protection for more Google Workspace editions

The Gemini app is now available as a core service with enterprise-grade data protection for even more Google Workspace users. | Learn more about the Gemini app and enterprise-grade data protection.

Completed rollouts

The features below completed their rollouts to Rapid Release domains, Scheduled Release domains, or both. Please refer to the original blog posts for additional details.

Rapid Release Domains:

New design and accessibility improvements for embedded Google Calendars

Scheduled Release Domains:

Rapid and Scheduled Release Domains:

For a recap of announcements in the past six months, check out What’s new in Google Workspace (recent releases).

The Gemini app is now a core service with enterprise-grade data protection for more Google Workspace editions

2024-10-25T09:09:00.000-07:00

What’s changing

As we recently announced, driven by our belief that generative AI can be transformative for every user, the standalone Gemini app (gemini.google.com) will now be included as part of most Google Workspace editions. With enterprise-grade data protections built in, users can now save time and deliver higher quality work — securely and compliantly — with an AI-powered assistant at work.

Beginning today, the Gemini app is now available as a core service with enterprise-grade data protection for Google Workspace users with the following editions:

Business Starter, Business Standard, Business Plus
Enterprise Starter, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus
Frontline Starter, Frontline Standard
Essentials, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Essentials Plus
Education Standard, Education Plus
Google Workspace for Nonprofits

Additional details

As a core service, the Gemini app will be covered under your existing Google Workspace or Google Workspace for Education agreement and will include the same technical support as other Workspace services. Gemini prompts, data, or generated responses won’t be reviewed by human reviewers or otherwise used to improve generative AI models without permission. More information on how we’re protecting your Google Workspace data in the era of generative AI can be found here.

Note: For Education customers, added data protection is available in the Gemini app as either a core or additional service.

Admin console service settings update

As part of this launch, we will be streamlining the Gemini app service settings in the Admin console. Specifically, we will be transitioning to a single checkbox for the user access setting:

The updated Gemini service setting (Admin console > Generative AI > Gemini app > User Access)

When the setting is unchecked (default state for most customers), the Gemini app as a core service with enterprise-grade data protection will be enabled only for:

Gemini for Workspace licensed users
Users with a qualifying Workspace edition

When the setting is checked, the Gemini app will be enabled for all users, specifically:

Gemini for Workspace licensed users
Users with a qualifying Workspace edition
Users without a qualifying Workspace edition can access the Gemini app as an additional service

Broader availability of Workspace extensions in Gemini

Expanding the Gemini app as a core service also allows these Workspace editions to leverage Google Workspace extensions in Gemini, which are currently available in open beta for users 18 and older. Once enabled by an admin, extensions allow Gemini to cross reference various Google Workspace apps, like Gmail, Drive, Docs, Calendar, Keep and Tasks, as data sources to better inform its responses. Visit the Help Center to learn more about turning Google Workspace extensions on or off for your organization.

Getting started

Admins:

For new Google Workspace Business, Enterprise, and Frontline customers: Access to the Gemini app as a core service with enterprise-grade data protection will be ON by default.

For existing Google Workspace Business, Enterprise, and Frontline customers: Refer to New core services coming to Google Workspace for the default service setting.

For new Workspace for Education customers: Access to the Gemini app will be OFF by default for Primary and Secondary (K12) customers, and ON by default for Higher Education customers.
Visit the Help Center to learn more about turning the Gemini app on or off for users.

End users: Visit the Help Center to learn more about using the Gemini app.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on October 25, 2024.

Availability

This update is applicable for Google Workspace:

Business Starter, Business Standard, Business Plus
Enterprise Starter, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus
Frontline Starter, Frontline Standard
Essentials, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Essentials Plus
Google Workspace for Nonprofits edition
Education Standard, Education Plus

Resources

Audit security settings using the Policy API, now available in open beta

2024-10-24T09:00:00.004-07:00

What’s changing

Simplifying the management of Workspace settings continues to be a priority for us. To that end, we’re introducing new tools to help streamline the process for admins.

Launching to open beta today, we’re pleased to introduce the Policy API, which will help super admins programmatically access information regarding how their Google Workspace environment service level settings and rules are configured. With the Policy API, customers gain a comprehensive view of all their settings, giving them a holistic view of Workspace security and compliance configurations. Admins will no longer have to navigate through numerous pages in the Admin Console.

To start, the Policy API is available as a read-only API. In future releases, admins will be able to use the API to create, update, and delete their settings, as well as data loss prevention (DLP) rules. Admins will be able to use the API to audit certain settings in the following categories:

Authentication controls such as account recovery, advanced protection program, login challenges, passwords.
Chat
Classroom
Docs and Drive
Gmail
Groups
Marketplace
Meet
Sites
Takeout

The Policy API can also be used to read DLP rules, including the ability to:

Read all DLP rule configurations in the admin console, including: rule names and descriptions; applicable organization units (OUs) and groups; triggers and conditions; and app-specific alert actions.
Read existing DLP detectors available in the admin console including the detector name, description, and wordlist configurations.
Read admin-modified system defined alerts.

Who’s impacted

Super Admins

Why it’s important

With the increase in sophistication and scale of cyber threats, the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency’s Secure Cloud Business Applications (SCuBA) project provides guidance to secure agencies’ cloud business application environments and protect federal information that is created, accessed, shared and stored in those environments.

The Policy API provides access to the settings that are part of these recommendations published in CISA’s Google Workspace secure configuration baselines. Customers who wish to evaluate their Workspace policies against these baselines can start testing using the Policy API. In future releases, we plan to expand support for additional policies described in CISA’s Workspace baselines.

Getting started

Admins: You must be a super admin to use the Policy API. Use our Developer Documentation to learn more about the Policy API.
End users: There is no end user impact or action required.

Rollout pace

Available now.

Availability

Available to all Google Workspace customers

Resources

Policy API Documentation

Introducing a new look and feel for Google Calendar on the web

2024-10-23T13:20:00.000-07:00

What’s changing

Starting today, you’ll notice a refreshed user interface in Google Calendar that is in line with Google Material Design 3 and includes:

Controls (like buttons, dialogs, and sidebars) that are more modern and accessible
Interface typography that uses Google’s custom-designed and highly-legible typefaces
Iconography that is legible and crisp, with a fresh feel

We’re also introducing the ability to toggle between light mode, dark mode or device default theme options. This will provide you with a more comfortable, customizable viewing experience and can also reduce battery usage.

Calendar on web in light mode

Calendar on web in dark mode

Additional details

These updates are applicable across the entire calendar web experience, including the task list view. When using the tasks.google.com URL, you will be redirected to the refreshed user interface and have the ability to choose between light or dark mode.

Getting started

Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
End users:

To turn on dark mode in Calendar, go to the settings icon in the top right corner > Appearance > select Light, Dark or Device default.
Visit the Help Center to learn more about using Dark theme in Calendar.
Given this launch is a visual refresh to Google Calendar, it may impact the experience of installed Chrome extensions that are active when using Google Calendar. As a result, these extensions might not work as expected. We recommend contacting the developers of those extensions to report any potential issues.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on October 23, 2024
Scheduled Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on December 2, 2024

Availability

Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts

Resources

A smoother, more modern video player in Google Drive

2024-10-22T13:56:00.001-07:00

What’s changing

Starting today, you'll notice a new look and feel, and enhanced functionality for the video player within Google Drive that makes it easier and more enjoyable to watch your videos. More specifically, this update includes:

A modernized look with cleaner lines, intuitive controls, and a less cluttered viewing experience, all in line with Google Material Design 3.
Improved controls for fast forward and rewind buttons that give you more control over playback. In addition, it is now easier to adjust playback speed and manage captions.
Consistency across Workspace through similar video experiences in Google Drive and Google Vids, the upcoming video editor.

Getting started

Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
End users: Visit the Help Center to learn more about storing & playing video in Google Drive.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on October 22, 2024
Scheduled Release domains: Full rollout (1–3 days for feature visibility) starting on November 18, 2024

Availability

Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts

Resources

Google Help: Store & play video in Google Drive

Improved comments experience in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides on Android tablets

2024-10-21T15:27:00.002-07:00

Update

[October 31, 2024] We have updated the rollout information for this feature. See the Rollout section below for more details.

What’s changing

Earlier this year, we introduced a new comments experience in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides on web. Today, we’re announcing a similar update to Android tablets for viewing, navigating, and replying to comments, especially on-the-go. In addition to improved design and filtering functionality to match the web experience, you’ll now be able to easily:

Keep a pulse on the latest updates: now you’ll see the first comment and the two most recent replies from a comment thread, with the option to show all comments within a discussion.
Review comments with full context: enjoy familiar, in-context commenting, similar to the web experience, while taking advantage of larger screen real estate on tablets.
Navigate and filter comments: navigation tabs and filters within the comments panel help you easily find relevant comments, without having to switch to a separate view.

Comment experience in Docs

Comment experience in Sheets

Comment experience in Slides

Getting started

Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
End users: Access the comments panel by tapping on the comment button on the top app bar. Visit the Help Center to learn more about using comments, action items, & emoji reactions.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on November 7, 2024
Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on November 21, 2024

Availability

Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts

Resources

Google Help: Use comments, action items, & emoji reactions

Expanding Google Workspace extensions available in open beta for the Gemini app

2024-10-21T14:33:00.005-07:00

What’s changing

Earlier this year, we launched Google Workspace extensions for Gmail, Google Drive and Google Docs in open beta for the Gemini app. Beginning today, we’re pleased to announce that Google Calendar, Google Keep and Google Tasks are also available as Workspace extensions in the Gemini app.

Who’s impacted

Admins and end users

Why you’d use it

Extensions allow the Gemini app to interact with other Google apps and services, helping to provide more contextual and relevant responses to your prompts and take certain actions across apps. For example, you can use extensions to:

Calendar

Create an event in Google Calendar based on specific details or based on your conversation with the Gemini app
Find events for a specific day, date range, or based on event details
Edit or cancel events in Calendar

Tasks

Add reminders and tasks, including those based on your conversation with the Gemini app
View a list of your tasks and update your tasks

Keep

Create notes and lists, including those based on your conversation with the Gemini app
Add an item to your existing list
Find content from your notes and lists
Reference your notes and lists in your conversation with the Gemini app

Additional details

If your prompt includes multiple actions that require separate apps or services, but one or more of the required services are not enabled, neither of the actions will be completed. For example, if you prompt Gemini to create an event on your calendar and a reminder for that event but the Tasks extension is not enabled, the event will not be added to your calendar and you will not get a reminder.
As a reminder, during the open beta period, Context-Aware Access (CAA) for Gmail, Drive, Docs, Calendar, Keep and Tasks isn’t supported with Google Workspace extensions. Context-Aware Access gives you control over which apps a user can access based on their context, such as whether their device complies with your IT policy. Learn more about Context-Aware Access.
Google Workspace extensions is not available to Google Workspace users accessing Gemini as an additional Google service.
Note that Google Workspace personal content the Gemini app gets from extensions is not reviewed by anyone to improve AI models, not used to train AI models, and not shared with other users or institutions.

Getting started

Admins:

Google Workspace extensions in Gemini are OFF by default and can be enabled at the OU or Group level.

If Google Workspace extensions are already enabled, then the Workspace extensions for Calendar, Keep and Tasks will show up automatically for your users.

Visit the Help Center to learn more about turning Google Workspace extensions on or off for your organization.

End users: If enabled by your admin, connecting Google Workspace allows users to summarize, get quick answers, and find information from Calendar, Keep and Tasks in addition to Gmail, Docs, and Drive directly in Gemini. Visit the Help Center to learn more about using Google Workspace extensions.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on October 21, 2024

Availability

Available for Google Workspace customers with these add-ons:

Gemini Business
Gemini Enterprise
Gemini Education
Gemini Education Premium

Resources

Preview summaries of unread conversations in the Google Chat home view with the help of Gemini

2024-10-21T09:13:00.004-07:00

What’s changing

We’re excited to announce Gemini in Google Chat can now help you catch up on unread conversations in the Chat home view with summaries.

Upon navigating to an unread conversation in home, click the “Summarize” button to see a quick, bulleted synopsis of the message content. This enables you to quickly review recent activity across all active conversations to determine where best to focus your time and attention.

Who’s impacted

End users

Why it matters

Since introducing a more streamlined user experience in Chat to help you find what you need much faster, we’re adding more ways to help you prioritize the most important conversations. This new summaries in home feature does just that by helping you catch up more quickly.

Additional details

Summaries in the home view are available for any group conversation, space, or thread in home that contain unread messages.

Getting started

Admins: To access summaries in home, users need to have smart features and personalization turned on. Admins can turn on default personalization setting for their users in the Admin console.
End users: You can turn this feature ON/OFF by turning Smart features & controls in Google products ON/OFF.

To see summaries on web, hover over an unread group conversation, space, or thread from home in Chat and click “Summarize.”
To see summaries on mobile, long press on an unread group conversation, space, or thread from home in Chat.
Visit the Help Center to learn more about summaries in home.

Rollout pace

Web, Android & iOS:

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on October 21, 2024

Availability

Available for Google Workspace customers with these add-ons:

Gemini Business, Enterprise, Education, Education Premium
AI Meetings & Messaging

Resources

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - October 18, 2024

2024-10-18T13:47:00.001-07:00

1 New update

Unless otherwise indicated, the features below are available to all Google Workspace customers, and are fully launched or in the process of rolling out. Rollouts should take no more than 15 business days to complete if launching to both Rapid and Scheduled Release at the same time. If not, each stage of rollout should take no more than 15 business days to complete.

Pronouns are now displayed in Google Meet

If you have set your pronouns from your Google Accounts settings (myaccount.google.com/profile/pronouns) and set the visibility to ‘Anyone’, they will now be displayed on your personal video tile during meetings. This update is available when using Google Meet on the web. | Rolling out to Rapid Release domains now; launch to Scheduled Release domains planned for October 24, 2024. | Available to all Google Workspace customers. | Admins can use this Help Center article to learn more about enabling pronouns in Workspace apps for their users. If enabled by their admin, end users can use this Help Center article to learn more about setting their pronouns in Google Meet.

Previous announcements

The announcements below were published on the Workspace Updates blog earlier this week. Please refer to the original blog posts for complete details.

Import data from Meta Workplace to Google Chat using CloudFuze

Earlier this year, we introduced a new migration solution from Google Workspace partner CloudFuze that enables customers to import data from Slack into Google Chat. This week, we announced an additional solution from CloudFuze that enables companies using Workplace for Meta to migrate their data to Google Chat. | Learn more about importing data from Meta Workplace to Google Chat.

Now generally available: Migrate users’ emails from Google Workspace, Gmail and other IMAP enabled mail servers

In March 2024, we launched an open beta for the ability to migrate your users’ email data from Google Workspace, Gmail, or IMAP enabled mail servers to another Google Workspace account. Beginning this week, this data migration experience is now generally available, helping admins migrate email data in a more secure, reliable, and efficient manner. | Learn more about migrating users’ email data.

Google Drive inventory reporting is now generally available

Earlier this year, we launched Google Drive inventory reporting in beta — beginning this week, this feature is generally available. | Learn more about Drive inventory reporting.

Available in alpha: use Gemini in the side panel of Workspace apps in seven additional languages

You can now use Gemini in the side panel of Google Docs, Google Sheets, Gmail, and Google Drive in seven additional languages: German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish and French. | Learn more about additional languages.

Completed rollouts

The features below completed their rollouts to Rapid Release domains, Scheduled Release domains, or both. Please refer to the original blog posts for additional details.

Rapid Release Domains:

Scheduled Release Domains:

Rapid and Scheduled Release Domains:

Paused rollouts

We have paused the rollout for this feature while we evaluate performance and quality. We will provide an update with new rollout information as soon as possible.

Reply to emails in Gmail faster on Android devices

For a recap of announcements in the past six months, check out What’s new in Google Workspace (recent releases).

Available in alpha: use Gemini in the side panel of Workspace apps in seven additional languages

2024-10-16T07:24:00.000-07:00

What’s changing

You can now use Gemini in the side panel of Google Docs, Google Sheets, Gmail, and Google Drive in seven additional languages:

German
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Portuguese
Spanish
French

The additional languages are available in alpha for Workspace customers with a Gemini Business, Gemini Enterprise, Gemini Education, and Gemini Education Premium add-on. Admins can use our Help Center to learn more about turning access to Gemini for Google Workspace Alpha features on for your users.

With Gemini in the side panel of your Workspace apps, you can get help summarizing, analyzing, and generating content by utilizing insights gathered from your emails, documents, and more—all without switching applications or tabs. For more information, please refer to our original announcements for Gemini in the side panel of Docs, Sheets, and Drive, as well as Gmail respectively.

Getting started

Admins: Visit the Help Center to learn more about turning access to Gemini for Google Workspace Alpha on or off.
End users: If your admin has enabled access to alpha features, you can now use the Gemini side panel in more languages. Access the side panel by clicking on “Ask Gemini” (spark button) in the top right corner of Gmail, Docs, Sheets, and Drive on the web. Visit the Help Center to learn more about collaborating with Gemini in Google Drive, Gmail, Docs, and Sheets. Note that for accessing other Gemini for Google Workspace features that are supported in English only, you will need to set your Google Account language to English.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Available now.

Availability

Available for Google Workspace customers with a:

Gemini Business and Enterprise add-on
Gemini Education and Education Premium add-on