January 16, 2026
Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - January 16, 2026
A summary of announcements from the last week:
The announcements below were published on the Workspace Updates blog over the last week. Please refer to the original blog posts for complete details.
Set Google Forms to automatically stop accepting responses based on date and time or response count
Last year, we introduced a feature that gives Google Forms creators more control over who can respond to their forms via sharing settings. We are now improving how you can choose to manage responses in Google Forms by enabling you to set a close date or response limit for new responses. | Learn more about setting Google Forms to automatically stop accepting responses based on date and time or response count.
Ingredients to Video in Veo 3.1 now supports portrait-sized clips in Google Vids
Today we’re announcing improvements to Veo 3.1 that allow you to generate portrait-sized clips with faster pace and engaging shots, all while delivering realistic audio and maintaining consistency of objects, characters, and backgrounds. | Learn more about Ingredients to Video in Veo 3.1. It now supports portrait-sized clips in Google Vids.
Automatic room check-in for Google Meet available on mobile devices
Mobile Companion Mode now supports automatic room check-in. Using ultrasound detection, your device pairs with room hardware to join meetings instantly, streamlining the process. | Learn more about Automatic room check-in for Google Meet available on mobile devices.
SecOps data connector now available for Google Workspace for Education Plus and Standard
We’re expanding the availability of the Google Workspace SecOps data connector to customers using Google Workspace for Education Plus and Education Standard. This feature was previously only available for our Enterprise customers. | Learn more about the SecOps data connector, now available for Google Workspace for Education Plus and Standard.
Editing password-protected Microsoft Office files directly in Google Drive
We're excited to announce a major improvement to Microsoft Office interoperability in Google Workspace: you can now edit Microsoft Office files that are password-protected, directly within Docs, Sheets, and Slides. | Learn more about editing password-protected Microsoft Office files directly in Google Drive.