Friday, September 4, 2026
Thursday, September 3, 2026
Introducing comprehensive audit logs for Gemini Notebook in the Workspace Admin console
Google Workspace administrators can now access comprehensive audit logs for Gemini Notebook in the Admin console, providing greater insights into how the application is used across their organizations. This update introduces full visibility into Gemini Notebook actions, allowing administrators to review usage and audit data access in the security investigation tool and audit and investigation tool.
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Gemini Notebook log events in the ‘Audit and Investigation’ tool in the Admin console. |
Additional details
Administrators can track a wide range of user actions across multiple categories, including notebook visibility, user identity, IP address, and resource context. These audit logs can be exported and reviewed using BigQuery or accessed directly within the Admin console using the security investigation tool. These monitoring capabilities help administrators meet regulatory compliance requirements, understand collaboration patterns, and protect company data within their digital environments.
Note: While audit log storage itself follows standard Workspace regional routing policies, Gemini Notebook user data—such as notebooks, sources, and chat histories—is stored globally and does not currently support data regionalization.
Getting started
- Admins: Gemini Notebook audit logs will be available by default in the Workspace Admin console, but exporting audit logs to BigQuery will be disabled until turned on. Visit the Help Center to learn more about Gemini Notebook log events, schema in BigQuery and setting up service log exports to BigQuery.
- End users: There is no end user setting for this feature.
Rollout pace
- Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) started on September 3, 2026
Availability
- Available to all Google Workspace customers that have access to the security investigation tool and audit and investigation tool
Resources
- Google Workspace Admin Help: Gemini Notebook log events
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
New built-in interoperability between Google Meet and Microsoft Teams on Android (AOSP) devices, now in Early Preview
We’re introducing video conferencing device interoperability between Google Meet and Microsoft Teams, which will allow you to:
- Join Microsoft Teams meetings from Android (AOSP)-based Google Meet hardware devices
- Join Google Meet meetings from Android (AOSP)-based Microsoft Teams Rooms devices
Please note that this interoperability feature was previously launched on Chrome OS-based Google Meet Rooms and Windows-based Microsoft Teams Rooms. This launch extends conferencing capabilities to Android devices enrolled in our Early Preview Program for users in domains on the Rapid Release track. For instructions on how to set up Google Meet on Microsoft Teams Rooms devices, consult the admin documentation provided by Microsoft.
Getting started
- Admins: This feature will be ON by default and can be disabled at the organizational unit (OU) level. This new functionality will not replace existing Pexip settings for any OU that already has them in place. Visit the Help Center to learn more about allowing Meet hardware to join third-party video conferencing services.
- End users: Visit the Help Center to learn how to join Microsoft Teams meetings with Google Meet hardware.
Rollout pace
Admin console setting
- Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Full rollout (1–3 days for feature visibility) starting on August 31, 2026
End user visibility
- Rapid Release domains: Rolling out now to Meet hardware devices enrolled in Early Preview, with expected completion by September 7, 2026
Availability
- Available to all Google Workspace customers with Google Meet hardware devices running Android/AOSP
Resources
- Google Workspace Admin Help: Allow Meet hardware to join third-party video conferencing services
- Google Workspace Admin Help: Join Microsoft Teams meetings with Google Meet hardware
- Workspace Updates Blog: New built-in interoperability between Google Meet and Microsoft Teams
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Turn Google Docs, PDFs, and Word files into video summaries in Google Vids
Google Vids now allows you to transform static Google Docs, PDFs, and Word files into engaging video summaries. This new feature leverages AI to generate scripts and narration while providing custom visuals to bring your documents to life.
Whether you are catching up on training material, meeting notes or reviewing lengthy documentation and reports, this tool is designed to make the process of digesting information effortless. By converting text-heavy files into concise videos, users can quickly grasp key takeaways through a more dynamic medium.
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Getting started
- Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
- End users: There is no end user setting for this feature. Visit the Help Center to learn more or try it today at vids.new
Rollout pace
- Rapid Release domains: Available now
- Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on September 5, 2026
Availability
- Business: Business Starter, Standard, and Plus
- Enterprise: Enterprise Starter, Standard, and Plus
- Education: Education Plus
- Consumer: Google AI Plus, Pro, and Ultra
- Other Editions: Nonprofits
- Education Add-ons: Google AI Pro for Education; Teaching and Learning
Resources
- Google Help: Create summary videos from documents in Google Vids
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Custom instructions for Gemini in Workspace now available in more apps
Earlier this year, we introduced the ability for Workspace users to set persistent custom instructions for Gemini in Google Docs. We're now expanding support for these custom instructions to additional Gemini in Workspace surfaces, specifically:
- Ask Gemini in Drive
- Ask Gemini in Chat
- Gemini side panel in Slides, Sheets, and Gmail
These instructions help personalize your interactions with Gemini and ensure that Gemini adapts to your style, tone, and formatting preferences without needing to repeat them in every conversation, ultimately saving you time and ensuring consistency.
With this update, users can build a set of custom instructions that Gemini respects across these Gemini surfaces. The update ensures that users have a consistent personalization experience across the platform based on their individual needs or preferences.
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You can declare preferences in any Gemini in Workspace Surface |
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All saved instruction can be viewed and managed in the Personalization Setting tab |
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| These instructions are then used to personalize Gemini’s responses across Workspace |
Getting started
- Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
- End users: Get started by opening the side panel, Ask Gemini in Drive, or Ask Gemini in Chat. You can then prompt Gemini to store a specific instruction. You can also access the ‘Your Instructions for Gemini In Workspace” Menu by selecting the hamburger menu > Settings > Personalization. Visit the Help Center to learn more about customizing Gemini in Workspace's responses with your instructions.
Rollout pace
- Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on September 2, 2026
Availability
- Available to all Google Workspace customers with access to Ask Gemini in Drive, Ask Gemini in Chat, and/or the Gemini side panel in Gmail, Sheets, and Slides. See more details on feature availability here.
Resources
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Automate Drive, Gmail, and Google Chat actions with new steps in Workspace Studio
To help teams automate everyday work and seamlessly connect tasks across Google Workspace, we are introducing four new automation steps in Workspace Studio Flows: Move Drive file, Copy Drive file, Send a Chat reply, and Reply to email.
These new steps give end users greater control over document management and cross-channel communications, enabling end-to-end automated flows directly from Workspace Studio. Admins will have settings to disable individual steps and to require end-user approval when these actions may share data with audiences outside of their organization.
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- Copy Drive file or folder: Make a copy of Google Drive files and folders when a flow runs to streamline template generation and intake processes.
- Move Drive file or folder: Automatically move Google Drive files and folders, keeping project folders organized without manual file management.
- Reply to email: Automatically send email replies within existing threads, preserving contextual conversation history for support, triage, and task tracking workflows.
- Send a Chat reply: Post targeted, formatted replies into specific Google Chat spaces and threads, now complete with Markdown support for enhanced text styling, lists, and code blocks.
Getting started
- Admins: This step is available by default if you allow Gemini for Google Workspace steps. Visit the Help Center to learn more about managing access to steps and starters in Workspace Studio.
- End users: Try the feature in Google Workspace Studio. Visit the Help Center to learn more about these steps.
Rollout pace
- Drive/Chat steps – Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains:
- Admin controls: Full rollout (1–4 days for feature visibility) starting on September 1, 2026
- Features: Full rollout (1–3 days for feature visibility) starting on September 8, 2026
- Gmail steps – Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains:
- Admin controls: Full rollout (1–4 days for feature visibility) starting on September 8, 2026
- Features: Full rollout (1–3 days for feature visibility) starting on September 14, 2026
Availability
- Business: Business Starter, Standard, and Plus
- Enterprise: Enterprise Standard and Plus
- Education: Education Fundamentals, Standard, and Plus
- Education Add-ons: Google AI Pro for Education; Teaching and Learning
- Other Add-ons: AI Expanded Access
Resources
- Google Workspace Admin Help: Workspace Studio
- Workspace Studio Help: Get Started with Workspace Studio
- YouTube: Workspace Studio Playlist
- Discord: Workspace Studio Channel
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Google Pics brings pro-level AI image creation and editing to Google Workspace
We are thrilled to announce that Google Pics is generally available starting today, bringing advanced AI image generation and precise, object-based image editing directly into your Workspace creative workflow. To get started, open Pics and simply type in a prompt to generate any image using Google’s best AI imaging models, or import an image from your computer, Google Drive, or Google Photos to edit with AI.
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- Generate or refine images using text prompts—Pics offers multiple variations to ensure you always capture the perfect visual
- Hover over and select specific elements for precise, local editing
- Edit, reformat, or even translate individual text elements
- Crop your image for web, social media, print, or digital
- Upscale your image to 2K or 4K
- Maintain a persistent version history so you can easily revert unwanted changes, and more.
With Pics, you can also edit visuals in the tools you’re already using. Simply select an image in Google Docs or Slides, and a single click lets you edit it using Pics' full suite of precision AI tools without having to switch apps or tabs. Pics also provides the collaboration features you know from other Workspace apps: you can invite teammates to collaborate, share images via a link, and create or open Pics images in Google Drive. And, in the coming weeks, you’ll also be able to use Pics to open and edit nearly any image you’ve saved in Drive with a single click.
Getting started
- Admins: This product will be ON by default and can be disabled at the domain/OU/group level. Visit the Help Center to learn more.
- End users: Visit the Help Center to learn more about using Google Pics.
Rollout pace
- Rapid Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on September 1, 2026
- Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on September 15, 2026
Availability
- Business: Business Standard and Plus
- Enterprise: Enterprise Standard and Plus
- Consumer: Google AI Pro and Ultra
- Education Add-ons: Google AI Pro for Education
- Other Add-ons: AI Expanded Access
Usage of generative AI features in Google Pics is subject to usage limits. At least through February 28, 2027, your users will have higher access to generative AI features in Google Pics. Access to these generative AI features may be limited afterward. We’ll notify you of any changes before they take effect.
Usage of Google Pics from other Workspace surfaces (such as Google Slides) is subject to existing image generation limits.
Resources
- Google Workspace Admin Help: Turn Google Pics on or off for users
- Google Help: Learn about Google Pics availability
- Google Help: Get started with Google Pics
- News from Google: Try Google Pics: Easy image creation and editing in Google Workspace
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Transitioning Google Meet room hardware to focus on Android (AOSP), ongoing ChromeOS support unchanged and up to September 2030
We're transitioning our Google Meet hardware portfolio from ChromeOS to Android to deliver features faster, broaden device choices, and increase flexibility. We're working closely with hardware partners, including Logitech, Neat, and HP Poly, to offer Google Meet-certified devices for spaces of any size, with several exciting Android devices intended for large-format spaces planned for 2027.
Support and transition timeline for ChromeOS
Existing investments in ChromeOS devices are protected. The support timelines for these devices have not changed and will continue to be fully supported through a multi-year transition period, extending up to September 2030 for recent models. We will continue delivering security patches, stability updates, and ChromeOS releases for all Google Meet hardware running ChromeOS.
To help you plan room refresh cycles, hardware partners will gradually end manufacturing and sales for ChromeOS-based hardware according to the following timelines:
- Logitech / CTL Google Meet Compute System: February 2027
- ASUS Google Meet Compute System: April 2027
For customers looking to purchase ChromeOS devices to complement their existing fleet, particularly for large event spaces, we encourage you to purchase devices as soon as possible.
Benefits of Android in meeting rooms
Adopting Android as the foundation for Google Meet hardware provides several benefits:
- Device variety: Android-based room hardware offers a broader range of form factors, including compact all-in-one devices, video bars, and integrated room solutions. Whether equipping a focus room, collaborative huddle space, or boardroom, you have options to find the right fit.
- Enterprise stability: Android-based devices deliver the performance, responsiveness, and stability you rely on with ChromeOS.
- Hardware flexibility: Certified AOSP devices can run multiple video conferencing solutions, protecting your investment by allowing rooms to be repurposed without replacing equipment.
- Long lifecycles: Devices certified for Google Meet are engineered for long-term reliability and predictable software support.
The portfolio of supported hardware is growing as we actively work with partners to certify additional next-generation devices and qualified peripherals.
Partner collaboration
Our partners already offer Google Meet-certified AOSP options. Together, we're simplifying deployment, accelerating AI features like Take notes for me, and making meeting rooms more collaborative. Explore devices options and find contact information for our partners on the links below.
Getting started
- Admins: Use our Help Center to learn more about supported devices for Google Meet hardware.
Resources
- Hardware for Google Meet from our partners
- Google Help: Google Meet hardware certification program
- Google Help: Compare Google Meet hardware options
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Add co-presenters in Google Meet with one click
Previously, adding a co-presenter in Google Meet required multiple manual steps. Now, Gemini will intelligently suggest a co-presenter in the Ask Gemini in Meet panel, and with just one click, a user can allow another user to co-present their Google Slides presentation.
Note that this “nudge” will only appear for the main presenter of a Google Slides presentation in Meet if they’re on a Chrome or Edge browser and if another participant uses a trigger phrase like, “Can you please add me as a co-presenter?” or “Next slide please.”
Getting started
- Admins: This feature will be on by default for organizations with Ask Gemini in Meet enabled. Visit the Help Center to learn more about turning Ask Gemini in Meet on or off.
- End users: Users will only see this “nudge” from Gemini if they’re the main presenter of a Google Slides presentation in Meet, on a Chrome or Edge browser, and hear a trigger phrase (must be said in English). Visit the Help Center to learn more about using Ask Gemini in Meet.
Rollout pace
- Rapid and Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on August 31, 2026
Availability
- Business: Business Standard and Plus
- Enterprise: Enterprise Standard and Plus
- Education: Google AI Pro for Education
- Other Editions: Frontline Plus
Resources
- Google Workspace Updates Blog: Ask Gemini in Meet: Your Personal Meeting Assistant
- Google Meet Help: Ask Gemini in Meet
- Google Workspace Admin Help: Turn Ask Gemini on or off
- Google Workspace Help Center Article: Co-present Slides in Google Meet
Friday, August 28, 2026
Google Workspace Weekly Recap - August 28, 2026
Now available: A refreshed user interface for Google Meet hardware touch controllers on Neat and Poly devices
On August 26, 2026, we are officially launching our updated user interface for Neat touch controllers and the Poly TC8. Overall, the design allows users to concentrate on their meetings rather than searching for controls, resulting in a more efficient and aesthetically pleasing experience. | Learn more.
Generate interactive simulations and models in the Gemini app
Gemini can transform your questions and complex topics into custom, interactive visualizations — directly within your Gemini app chat. | Learn more.
Restrict who can view the member lists in Google Chat spaces
Space owners and managers can now control who can view the full list of members in a Google Chat space, providing enhanced privacy and administrative control for sensitive, large-scale, or external collaboration spaces. | Learn more.
Introducing data import for Microsoft Teams: An easier, faster, and higher-fidelity migration to Google Workspace
For enterprise organizations, migrating communication history and collaboration channels to a new platform can feel daunting and risk interrupting daily business operations. To make this transition smoother, we are excited to announce that migrating chat data from Microsoft Teams to Google Workspace for large scale workloads is now generally available in data import. | Learn more.
Introducing data import for Microsoft OneDrive: An easier, faster, and higher-fidelity migration to Google Workspace
For enterprise organizations, migrating files along with their permissions to a new platform can feel daunting and risk interrupting daily business operations. To help simplify this transition, we are excited to announce general availability of Google Workspace data import (advanced mode) to support large-scale file migrations from Microsoft OneDrive. | Learn more.
Preserve and reuse grouped pivot table fields in Google Sheets
Google Sheets now supports grouped field persistence for pivot tables. When you create custom groupings or work with grouped date, time, or numeric fields, these fields are now retained directly in the pivot table editor sidebar as reusable source fields. | Learn more.
Control “Take notes for me” directly from Google Meet hardware touch controllers
On August 31, 2026, we’ll start rolling out the ability to start, stop, and manage the “Take notes for me” feature directly from the Google Meet Hardware touch controller for eligible meetings. This ensures in-room participants have direct control over Gemini note-taking without being in Companion mode. | Learn more.
Google Classroom now supports Context-Aware Access controls
We’re excited to introduce the ability to specify Context-Aware Access policies to control access to Google Classroom. This update allows Google Workspace administrators to set granular security parameters for Classroom access directly from the Admin console. | Learn more.
Improving Google Calendar’s interoperability with third-party video conferencing solutions
We are introducing improvements to Google Calendar that make it easier to join third-party video meetings, including Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Cisco Webex, when collaborating across different calendar and email clients. | Learn more.
Suppress email responses to calendar invitations and updates
We’re introducing a new per-event setting in Google Calendar that allows meeting organizers or their delegates to decide whether or not to receive RSVP emails and automatic responses, such as out-of-office messages and vacation responders. | Learn more.
Preview client-side encrypted PDF and image files directly in Google Drive, now available in beta
Previously, users needed to download encrypted non-native files to their local devices to view the contents. With this capability, authorized users can immediately preview encrypted content in their web browser without leaving Drive. | Learn more.
Gemini-based data classification in Google Drive is now available in open beta
This feature leverages Gemini models to apply data classification labels to files in Google Drive. Previously, AI classification required admins to identify and manually label training files for the AI model to learn the types of data associated with each data classification level. | Learn more.
The announcements above were published on the Workspace Updates blog over the last week. Please refer to the original blog posts for complete details.
Friday, August 28, 2026
Gemini-based data classification in Google Drive is now available in open beta
Gemini-powered AI classification in Google Drive is now available in open beta.
By automating file identification and labeling across Drive, AI classification helps organizations enforce granular data loss prevention (DLP) policies at scale, establish retention rules, and utilize label metadata during audit investigations. This also becomes a critical aspect in elevating an organization’s security posture in the agentic era, preventing agentic workflows from accessing and acting autonomously on sensitive data.
This feature leverages Gemini models to apply data classification labels to files in Google Drive. Previously, AI classification required admins to identify and manually label training files for the AI model to learn the types of data associated with each data classification level. With this new capability, Gemini models offer admins an alternative method for data classification that is faster and more efficient, eliminating the need for manual model training and replacing it with administrator-defined instructions.
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In the Admin console, Gemini models interpret instructions, evaluate files, and apply appropriate data classification labels. |
Administrators maintain full control of the Gemini-based data classification process. They select the label, provide Gemini with instructions, and scope the audience for the files being evaluated. For Gemini-labeled files, editors and owners of those files with the appropriate label permissions will have the opportunity to either review and accept, or modify the automatically-applied label. Audit logs capture when files are labeled, including any user acceptance or modification of a Gemini-applied label.
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In the Admin console, once enabled, Workspace Admins can see metrics on the labels applied to files by Gemini. |
Data classification is a critical activity for organizations that are conscious about data protection, compliance, and reporting. However, data classification can also be challenging to put into practice, particularly when it comes to accurately classifying files at scale. By using the new Gemini-based capabilities in AI classification for Drive, admins are able to achieve a higher degree of data classification accuracy at scale.
Rollout pace
- Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout to Open Beta — targeting completion by September 30th.
Getting started
- Admins: For customers on a supported product license, the option for configuring Gemini-based AI classification instructions will appear in the Workspace Admin Console under the Data Classification option in the Security section (Security > Access and data control > Data classification). Use our Help Center to learn more.
- End users: There is no end user setting for this feature.
Availability
- Enterprise: Enterprise Plus
- Education: Google AI Pro for Education
- Other Editions: Frontline Plus
Resources
Friday, August 28, 2026
Preview client-side encrypted PDF and image files directly in Google Drive, now available in beta
Client-side encryption (CSE) provides organizations control over access to their confidential data, with customer controlled encryption keys and data that is indecipherable to third-parties, including Google. Google Drive now supports direct file previewing for CSE files. Previously, users needed to download encrypted non-native files to their local devices to view the contents. With this capability, authorized users can immediately preview encrypted content in their web browser without leaving Drive.
This feature streamlines productivity and bolsters security by eliminating unnecessary downloads. At launch, preview is supported only on Drive, and for:
- Encrypted PDF documents
- Encrypted Image file formats
Admins with eligible Workspace licenses can sign up for the beta program, which provides access to the feature.
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Preview of an encrypted PDF, accessible in Drive |
Getting started
- Admins: Admins with eligible Workspace licenses can sign up for the beta program. We’ll provide more information on how to get started if you’re accepted.
- End users: This feature is ON for users in domains that have registered for the beta program.
Availability
- Enterprise: Enterprise Plus
- Education: Education Standard and Plus
- Other Editions: Frontline Plus, Assured Controls, Assured Controls Plus
Resources
- Google Workspace Admin Help: About client-side encryption
- Beta Application: Registration form
Friday, August 28, 2026
Suppress email responses to calendar invitations and updates
We’re introducing a new per-event setting in Google Calendar that allows meeting organizers or their delegates to decide whether or not to receive RSVP emails and automatic responses, such as out-of-office messages and vacation responders.
By default, this new setting, called “Get an email when guests respond,” is checked - ensuring organizers receive email responses for RSVPs. If the box is unchecked:
- Organizers will not receive RSVP emails from attendees using Google Calendar, but their RSVP status will still show up on the Calendar event.
- Organizers will not receive RSVP emails from attendees using third-party calendar tools (e.g. Outlook) and their RSVP status will not show up on the Calendar event.
- Organizers will not receive any email auto-replies (like out-of-office messages and vacation responders).
This feature is beneficial for organizers of large meetings, who don’t need to be informed about individual RSVP responses. Please note that for recurring events, this setting can only be applied to the full series.
Getting started
- Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
- End users: By default, meeting organizers will get email responses for RSVPs. To stop receiving email responses, a meeting organizer must uncheck the box. Visit the Help Center to learn more.
Rollout pace
- Rapid Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on August 28, 2026
- Scheduled Release domains: Full rollout (1–3 days for feature visibility) starting on September 10, 2026
Availability
- Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts
Resources
- Google Help: Track responses to your event
Thursday, August 27, 2026
Improving Google Calendar’s interoperability with third-party video conferencing solutions
We are introducing improvements to Google Calendar that make it easier to join third-party video meetings, including Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Cisco Webex, when collaborating across different calendar and email clients.
Specifically, users may notice:
- A better join experience for external recipients (for outgoing invitations): When you send a Google Calendar invitation containing a third-party video conferencing link to external recipients who use clients like Microsoft Outlook or Apple Calendar, Google Calendar now automatically includes the conferencing URL in the event's Location field. Because many external clients render links in the Location field as prominent, clickable buttons or chips in event previews, your guests can join calls with a single click without opening the full invite description.
- Structured "Join" button in Google Calendar (for incoming invitations): When you receive a calendar invite from an external system (such as Microsoft Outlook) containing third-party conferencing details in the event description or location, Google Calendar now automatically identifies and extracts the meeting URL, meeting ID, and passcode/PIN into structured video conferencing data. Instead of searching through text descriptions, you will see a prominent "Join video call" button directly on the event across Google Calendar on Web, Android, and iOS.
These improvements remove friction from the scheduling and meeting-join experience. Whether you or your external collaborators use Microsoft Outlook, Apple Calendar, or Google Calendar, joining video calls is now seamless and effortless.
Getting started
- Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
- End users: This feature will be available by default for all incoming and outgoing calendar invitations containing supported third-party conferencing links (Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Webex). No additional action is needed.
Rollout pace
- Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on August 27, 2026
Availability
- Available to all Google Workspace customers, Google Workspace Individual subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts.
Resources
- Google Workspace Learning Center: Add or remove a video conference from your Calendar event
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Google Classroom now supports Context-Aware Access controls
We’re excited to introduce the ability to specify Context-Aware Access policies to control access to Google Classroom. This update allows Google Workspace administrators to set granular security parameters for Classroom access directly from the Admin console. For example, an organization can create a policy that permits users to access Classroom only if they are connecting from a specific geographic region.
Expanding Context-Aware Access to Classroom gives administrators deeper control over their digital learning environments. Security policies can be tailored based on specific user attributes, including user identity, geographic location, device security status, and IP address.
By incorporating Classroom into broader organizational security frameworks, administrators can seamlessly manage access permissions across their Workspace apps. This ensures that sensitive school and student data remains protected, while making certain that only authorized users can connect to Classroom under secure, approved conditions.
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Getting started
- Admins: Context-Aware Access for Google Classroom can be configured at the organizational unit (OU) or group level. Visit the Help Center to learn more about Context-Aware Access, creating Context-Aware Access levels, and assigning Context-Aware Access levels to apps.
- End users: If enabled by your admin, you can access Google Classroom when authenticating using your Google sign-in. If your organization’s Context-Aware Access settings are not set to allow access, you may see a message letting you know that you cannot use Google sign-in to authenticate with Classroom, or you may see remediation messages which will provide some options on how to unblock Classroom.
Rollout pace
- Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Available now
Availability
- Education: Education Standard and Plus
Resources
- Google Workspace Admin Help: Assign Context-Aware Access levels to apps
- Google Workspace Admin Help: Protect your business with Context-Aware Access
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Control “Take notes for me” directly from Google Meet hardware touch controllers
On August 31, 2026, we’ll start rolling out the ability to start, stop, and manage the “Take notes for me” feature directly from the Google Meet Hardware touch controller for eligible meetings. This ensures in-room participants have direct control over Gemini note-taking without being in Companion mode.
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Controlling “Take notes for me” from the Google Meet hardware touch controller |
Historically, managing AI features during a meeting required a user to join from a laptop in Companion mode. This new update surfaces the necessary controls directly on the touchscreen hardware, making it easier for team collaboration. In particular, it offers the following:
Easy visibility & control
We are surfacing a dedicated badge on the touch controller screen, mirroring the web experience. Users can easily see if Gemini is taking notes and toggle its state between active and inactive.
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Active and inactive states of “Take notes For me” on the Google Meet hardware touch controller |
Off-the-record capability
Users can confidently pause note-taking during off-the-record discussions, then resume with the tap of a button.
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Pause and continue taking notes when needed with “Take notes For me” on the Google Meet hardware touch controller |
Note: This feature will be available on the touch controller only for meetings where “Take notes for me” is available.
Getting started
- Admins: This feature is available on Google Meet hardware if “Take notes for me” is enabled for your organization.
- End users: During a meeting on a Google Meet hardware device, tap the “Take notes for me” icon on the touch controller to start or stop taking notes. Visit the Help Center to learn more about “Take notes for me” in Google Meet.
Rollout pace
- Early Preview devices: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on August 31, 2026
- Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on September 8, 2026
Availability
- Business: Business Standard and Plus
- Enterprise: Enterprise Standard and Plus
- Consumer: Google AI Plus, Pro, and Ultra
- Other Editions: Frontline Plus
- Education Add-Ons: Google AI Pro for Education
Note: The plans above include “Take notes for me,” but this feature only operates on Google Meet hardware, which requires a separate license. Some users on Google Meet hardware with licenses that do not include “Take notes for me” functionality may see this feature if they join a meeting that is “Take notes for me’“ capable.
Resources
- Google Meet Hardware Help: Get support for Google Meet hardware
- Google Meet Help: Use Take Notes for Me in Google Meet
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Preserve and reuse grouped pivot table fields in Google Sheets
Google Sheets now supports grouped field persistence for pivot tables. When you create custom groupings or work with grouped date, time, or numeric fields, these fields are now retained directly in the pivot table editor sidebar as reusable source fields. This allows you to unassign grouped fields from your active table layout without losing their underlying configuration, making it easy to re-add or modify them at any time.
Additionally, this update improves interoperability with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) files. Previously, when importing Microsoft Excel files containing pivot tables with grouped fields into Google Sheets, those custom groupings were dropped from the field list, requiring manual recreation. With this update, grouped field configurations are accurately preserved when importing/exporting spreadsheet files.
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Grouped fields retained as reusable source fields in the Google Sheets pivot table editor sidebar |
Getting started
- Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
- End users: Visit the Help Center to learn more about customizing pivot tables in Google Sheets.
Rollout pace
- Rapid Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on August 25, 2026
- Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on September 14, 2026
Availability
- Available to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google accounts
Resources
- Google Docs Editors Help: Create & use pivot tables
- Google Docs Editors Help: Customize pivot tables
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Introducing data import for Microsoft OneDrive: An easier, faster, and higher-fidelity migration to Google Workspace
For enterprise organizations, migrating files along with their permissions to a new platform can feel daunting and risk interrupting daily business operations. To help simplify this transition, we are excited to announce general availability of Google Workspace data import (advanced mode) to support large-scale file migrations from Microsoft OneDrive. Just like the other features of the data import, this is available at no additional cost.
This update allows IT teams to execute large migrations efficiently, as you can import multiple concurrent batches at a time. Data import automatically adjusts import speeds to match your Microsoft licensing tier, maximizing throughput without exceeding source quotas.
Data import provides:
- Ease of use: A turnkey, scalable cloud-native service that can be accessed and used directly from the admin console.
- Quicker speeds and accuracy: Finish importing data sooner with faster migration speeds from parallelization and improved algorithms.
- No additional cost to use: No additional infrastructure costs during migration or licensing costs for third-party data migration tools.
Additionally, customers will be able to use the migration planning utility for file migrations that will help improve their change management and data migration forecasting. The migration planning utility is available to provide source data corpus details and migration timeline estimates. This offers customers no-friction discovery and data-driven planning when undertaking large scale enterprise migrations from Microsoft 365 to Google Workspace.
Getting started
- Admins:
- Access data import within Google Workspace Admin console. Visit the Help Center to learn more about migrating files from an OneDrive account to Google Workspace via data import advanced mode. You must be a Workspace super admin to perform a migration.
- Click here to access the migration planner tool.
- End users: There is no end user impact or action required.
Rollout pace
- Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Available now
Availability
- Business: Business Starter, Standard, and Plus
- Enterprise: Enterprise Standard and Plus
- Education: Education Fundamentals, Standard, and Plus
- Other Editions: Frontline Starter, Standard, and Plus; Essentials Starter, Enterprise Essentials, and Enterprise Essentials Plus; Nonprofit
Resources
- Google Workspace Admin Help: Use the advanced migration mode for OneDrive
- Google Workspace Admin Help: Set up the Azure application for an advanced migration
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Introducing data import for Microsoft Teams: An easier, faster, and higher-fidelity migration to Google Workspace
For enterprise organizations, migrating communication history and collaboration channels to a new platform can feel daunting and risk interrupting daily business operations. To make this transition smoother, we are excited to announce that migrating chat data from Microsoft Teams to Google Workspace for large scale workloads is now generally available in data import. Just like the other features of the Data Import tool, this is available at zero tool cost.
This enhancement builds on our existing data import capabilities, allowing admins to easily copy channel messages, group chats, and direct conversations from Teams to Workspace at no additional tool or infrastructure costs.
Data import for Teams offers:
- Ease of use: A turnkey, scalable cloud-native solution that can be accessed and used directly from the admin console.
- Quicker speeds and accuracy: Finish importing data sooner with faster migration speeds from parallelization and improved algorithms.
- No additional cost to use: No additional infrastructure costs during migration or licensing costs for third-party data migration tools.
- High fidelity: Both Teams channels as well as private chat messages (i.e. 1:1 and group messages) are imported.
Additionally, the migration planning utility now supports Teams to help customers improve their change management and data migration forecasting. The migration planning utility is available to provide migration timeline estimates and organize user data into speed-optimized batches. This offers customers simplified discovery and data-driven planning when undertaking large scale enterprise migrations from Microsoft 365 to Google Workspace.
Getting started
- Admins:
- Access data import within Workspace Admin console. Visit the Help Center to learn more about migrating channels and chats from a Teams account to Google Workspace via data import (advanced mode). You must be a Workspace super admin to perform a migration.
- Click here to access the migration planner tool.
- End users: There is no end user impact or action required.
Rollout pace
- Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Available now
Availability
- Business: Business Starter, Standard, and Plus
- Enterprise: Enterprise Standard and Plus
- Education: Education Fundamentals, Standard, and Plus
- Other Editions: Frontline Starter, Standard, and Plus; Essentials Starter, Enterprise Essentials, and Enterprise Essentials Plus; Nonprofit
Resources
- Google Workspace Admin Help: What's imported from Teams?
- Google Workspace Admin Help: Use the advanced data import method for Teams
- Google Workspace Admin Help: Set up an Azure application for Teams
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Restrict who can view the member lists in Google Chat spaces
Space owners and managers can now control who can view the full list of members in a Google Chat space, providing enhanced privacy and administrative control for sensitive, large-scale, or external collaboration spaces.
Previously, any member of a Google Chat space could view the complete list of participants. We are introducing a new space setting—View members—that allows space owners and managers to restrict member visibility within one of four permission levels:
- Owners only
- Owners & managers
- All members (default)
- Entire organization
Similar to membership privacy controls in Google Groups, there are scenarios where limiting member list visibility enhances organization security or privacy:
- Customer spaces: Collaborating with multiple external clients, vendors, or partners
- Sensitive forums: Allowing users to join communities on sensitive topics without revealing their membership in that community
- Confidential projects: Prevent participants in broad project spaces from seeing every internal or external user who has been added to the initiative
Please note that regardless of the member visibility restriction, users will always be able to see the name and profile of anyone who actively sends a message in the space.
Getting started
- Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
- End users: Navigate to Space Settings > Membership > View Members permission control, and select the desired visibility level.
Rollout pace
- Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) started on August 24, 2026
Availability
- Available to all Google Workspace customers
Resources
- Google Help: Manage view members permissions in Google Chat

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