This official feed from the Google Workspace team provides essential information about new features and improvements for Google Workspace customers.
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What’s changing 

In the coming weeks, we will be introducing an updated user interface for the Mimo Vue HD, Mimo Mist, Logitech Tap, Logitech Tap IP and Lenovo Series One Touch controllers.

To explore this upcoming feature, we encourage Admins to change the feature preview setting to enable Early preview for their devices. This will give admins time to prepare for the change, and end users to become familiar with the new design. See the “Additional details” section below for more information. 

Overall, the design allows users to concentrate on their meetings rather than searching for controls, resulting in a more efficient and aesthetically pleasing experience. Here’s what you can expect: 
  • Simplified Access to Key Controls: the controls you use most frequently, like mute and hand raise, are more prominent and easily accessible, helping you cut down on time searching for features and more time focusing on your meeting. 
  • Intuitively Organized Features: 
    • In-meeting experience: If you need to access more advanced features, like camera controls or the meeting layout, you can find them under the “More actions” menu. This keeps the main interface clean while ensuring less frequently used features are still readily accessible. 
    • Pre-call experience: You’ll also notice a refresh for the pre-call meeting UI, which prominently features the option to enter a meeting code or nickname, and a drop-down menu for Webex or Zoom meetings. 
  • A Familiar Interface: The touch controller UI will now look and feel similar to the Google Meet UI as seen on Laptop & Desktop devices, which will help navigating the menu more intuitively. 
Touch Controller UI Refresh pre-meeting experience


Touch Controller UI Refresh Annotated pre-meeting Experience


Touch Controller UI Refresh In-meeting Experience


Touch Controller UI Refresh Annotated In-meeting Experience


Touch Controller Advanced View


UI refresh pre-meeting experience


We’ll share more information about when the refreshed user interface will become generally available soon. 

Additional details 

More information about Early Preview Rooms 
We highly recommend joining our Early Preview Rooms (EPR), beginning August 18th, 2025, to help your organization get ready for this change. 

Enrolling devices into EPR allows you to: 
  • Test: Experience the new UI firsthand on select devices in your environment 
  • Prepare: Use the preview period (approximately 4-6 weeks) to update your internal training documents, support resources, and end-user communications 
  • Provide feedback: Share your feedback to help us refine the experience before general availability 

How to participate: 

Expanding availability 
We plan to expand support for the new UI to all Google Meet touch controllers, including AOSP devices. We’ll share more information here on the Workspace Updates blog once available. 

Getting started


Rollout pace 

  • Available for Early Preview Rooms starting on August 18th, 2025 

Availability 

  • Available to all Google Workspace customers with Google Meet hardware devices 

Resources 


Read More

What’s changing 

Google AI Ultra for Business is an add-on for Google Workspace that provides the highest access to AI features and models, and includes next-generation AI tools. With this launch, we are increasing the credit limit to use with Whisk and Flow for Google AI Ultra for Business users from 12,500 per user per month to 25,000 per user per month. This means you'll be able to generate twice as many clips and scenes as you build your story in Flow or animations in Whisk. 

Additionally, we’re excited to announce that starting August 19, 2025 we’re expanding availability of Whisk, our experiment that allows you to create images using both text and image prompts, to 77 additional countries. 

Getting started 

  • Admins: 
  • End users: 
    • No action needed. All users with a Google AI Ultra for Business license will see their monthly AI credits limit increase to 25,000. Use our Help Center to learn more about how AI credits in Google AI Ultra for Business work. 
    • Whisk is optimized for English, but supports a number of additional languages. See the Labs FAQ for more detail. 

Rollout pace 


Availability 

Available for Google Workspace customers with these add-ons: 
  • Google AI Ultra for Business 

Resources 

Read More

Previous announcements

The announcements below were published on the Workspace Updates blog since July 18. Please refer to the original blog posts for complete details.

Thumbnail previews will now show on video progress bar in Google Drive
when hovering over a newly uploaded video’s progress bar in Google Drive, you’ll see a thumbnail preview that allows you to quickly view and navigate to specific parts of a video. | Learn more about using the preview thumbnail to find the right moments in Google Drive videos. 
 
Adding AI image editing features to Google Slides and Google Vids
Building upon generative image capabilities across Google Workspace, we’re excited to introduce two AI image editing features in Google Slides and Google Vids - removing the background and expanding the background. | Learn more about the new AI image editing features in Slides and Vids. 

Use Gemini in Google Docs to generate images on Android devices
Building upon the ability to generate images using Gemini in Google Docs on web, we’re excited to announce you can now generate images in Docs on your Android mobile device. | Learn more about generating images in Docs on Android. 

Receive more in-depth responses from Gemini in Google Drive on PDF queries
Google Drive now leverages a 1M token context window with large PDFs that will provide users with more helpful, comprehensive responses. | Learn more about the expanded context window for PDFs in Drive. 

Sorting your notes in Google Keep on Android devices
In the Google Keep app on your Android device, you can now sort your notes in the primary browse view by “date created” and “date modified.” | Learn more about the new note sorting options in Keep. 

Quickly add events to Google Calendar with Gemini in Gmail on mobile
Previously only available on web, you can now add an event to your calendar directly from an email using Gemini in Gmail on Android and iOS devices. With this update, Gemini will automatically detect calendar related content in your email and an “Add to calendar” button will appear. | Learn more about using Gemini to add events to your Calendar from Gmail. 

Full screen for screen sharing in Google Meet
A full screen option now appears when viewing a presentation or sharing your screen. This option increases the size of the presentation by maximizing the Meet UI and reducing the size of meeting participants using sidebar view. Learn more about using full screen in Google Meet. 

Language expansion for “suggested next steps” when using “Take Notes for Me”
We’re expanding the language availability for “suggested next steps” within Google Meet's Take notes for me feature to include: French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish  | Learn more about using suggested next steps in new languages. 

Train multiple models for AI classification for Google Drive on demand
We’re introducing several changes to make the act of training custom AI models for data classification in Google Drive more efficient, including Multi-model Support, On-demand Training, and Refreshed UI. | Learn more about training multiple models for AI classification for Google Drive on demand. 

Introducing Video Overviews and upgrades to the Studio panel in NotebookLM
To provide users with a more educational and visual experience, we’re excited to introduce Video Overviews. Users can now turn documents, slides, charts and more into engaging explainer videos that are narrated by an AI voice. Video Overviews are expertly-crafted visual walkthroughs of the content you provide, pulling in images, diagrams, quotes, and numbers from your source material. | Learn more about Video Overviews in Notebook LM.

Automatic Room Check-in in Google Meet with Proximity Detection
To simplify the process of joining meetings for those using companion mode on laptops within a conference room, we're introducing automatic room check-in via ultrasound proximity detection. | Learn more about Automatic Room Check-in in Google Meet with Proximity Detection. 

Audit log changes for select Google Meet hardware settings
Recently, we’ve made updates to the Google Meet Hardware audit logs experience. As we continue to make adjustments and remove references to outdated products (ie Chromebox), we are moving audit logs for certain settings. | Learn more about which settings are moving where. 

Upcoming changes to reboot, alert, and log settings for Google Meet hardware devices
In the coming weeks, we will introduce changes to multiple settings in Google Meet hardware admin console that will offer new capabilities and a better experience for admins. These changes will impact the Alert configuration, Time zone , Log upload settings, device state reporting, and scheduled reboot . | Learn more about the new Google Meet hardware admin console settings. 

Google Meet logs will now show encryption type for call endpoints
We’re adding an additional data field for Google Meet log events: encryption_type, which will indicate whether standard cloud encryption or client-side encryption was used for a call endpoint. | Learn more about these log events updates. 

Export Gemini Audit logs to BigQuery
Admins can now export Gemini Audit logs to BigQuery Export for further analysis of user activity when interacting with Gemini across Workspace apps. | Learn more about accessing and analyzing Gemini Audit logs. 

Granular OAuth consent in Google Apps Editor Add-ons
Earlier this year, we launched an improved version of the OAuth consent screen to the Apps Script IDE and unpublished Editor Add-ons that allows users to specify which individual scopes they would like to authorize for that script. Now, this more granular OAuth consent screen will be expanding to an additional Apps Script execution type - Editor add-ons powered by Apps Script. | Learn more about Granular OAuth consent in Google Apps Editor Add-ons. 

Introducing enhanced interoperability between Google Chat and Microsoft Teams — powered by NextPlane
To better support Google Workspace customers operating in multi-platform environments, interoperability between Google Chat and Microsoft Teams is now available through NextPlane OpenHub. This enables real-time, cross-platform messaging and collaboration. | Learn more about the enhanced interoperability between Google Chat and Microsoft Teams. 

Build and deploy a single app across Chat, Gmail, Calendar, Drive and more with the Workspace add-ons framework
Previously available as part of the Google Workspace Developer Preview Program, we're excited to announce that the ability for developers to build Google Chat apps using the Workspace add-on framework is now generally available. | Learn more about the Workspace add-ons framework. 

Approval workflow for enterprise users to request access to unconfigured apps
We’re introducing a new approval workflow option for enterprise users to request access to third-party apps that have not been explicitly configured via App Access Control (AAC) by an admin. | Learn more about the new approval workflow for enterprise users to request access to unconfigured apps.

Deploy Context-Aware Access levels in “Warn” mode
Admins can now select “Warn” as an action when deploying context-aware access (CAA) levels. When applied, end users will see a warning message if they do not meet their admin defined conditions for accessing Google Workspace applications. | Learn more about "Warn" mode in Context Aware Access. 

New study tools in the Gemini app to help you learn more effectively
We’re introducing several new features in the Gemini app designed to create a more dynamic and effective learning experience. You can now build a deeper understanding with Guided Learning, prepare for exams with helpful study tools, and understand information more easily with integrated visuals and YouTube videos. | Learn more about new study tools in the Gemini app. 

Use Gemini to create illustrated storybooks
You can now use Gemini to craft personalized, illustrated storybooks about any topic with read-aloud narration. You can create a story by simply describing the storybook you want in a prompt and Gemini will create a unique 10-page illustrated storybook complete with custom audio narration. | Learn more about illustrated storybooks with Gemini. 

Adding NotebookLM and Gems to Gemini Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI™)
NotebookLM is now integrated with Gemini LTI™. As a result, educators can create Notebooks per week/topic and publish them within Gemini LTI. In the coming weeks, Gems will also be integrated with Gemini LTI™. Gemini LTI™, an AI-powered assistant that can integrate into third party Learning Management Systems (LMS). | Learn more about NotebookLM and Gems in Gemini LTI. 

NotebookLM is now available to all education users
We are expanding support for the NotebookLM for Google Workspace for Education users of all ages. | Learn more about the expansion of availability for NotebookLM. 

Increased limits to Gemini 2.5 Pro for Gemini for Education users, free of charge
Announced last month, Gemini for Education provides default access to our premium AI models, and now comes with significantly higher limits than what consumers get at no cost, plus enterprise-grade data protection and an admin-managed experience as a core Workspace service. | Learn more about the increased limits for Gemini for Education users. 

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

Note that previously these recaps also had information on completed rollouts. Now, that information can be found in the weekly Release Radar newsletter. If you don't have access to the Release Radar and would like to get it, please contact your Google rep. 

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What’s changing 

We’re introducing a new approval workflow option for enterprise users to request access to third-party apps that have not been explicitly configured via App Access Control (AAC) by an admin. This only applies to apps which have not been configured. If a user is able to access an app today based on the policies configured by their admin, then there will be no change and they will continue to be able to access the app. 

When end users attempt to access unconfigured third-party apps and get blocked, they will see an error screen with an option to raise a review request to admins. After the user submits a request, admins will be able to review the end user requests in app access control and make a decision. 

This feature gives enterprise users a clear process for requesting access to apps they need, reducing the likelihood of them being completely blocked and improving their productivity. For admins, it provides a centralized and efficient way to manage and configure access for new applications within their organization, while maintaining control over data security. 

An example of the dialog that the end user will see when access is blocked, with an opportunity to request access 


The dialog an end user will see if they choose to request access 


The interface in the Admin console where admins can see and process access requests from users 


The interface admins can use to configure access by OU 


Who’s impacted 

Admins and end users 

Getting started 

  • Admins: 
    • This feature will be ON by default and can be enabled at the organizational unit (OU) level. You can enable the setting for users to request access to unconfigured apps in the Admin console under API Controls Settings. Visit the Help Center to learn more about user requests for unconfigured apps. 
  • End users: 
    • There is no end user setting for this feature. When the approval workflow is enforced, users will see a new screen that allows them to request access to the app from their admin. 

Rollout pace 


Availability

  • Available to all Google Workspace customers 

Resources 


Read More

Update: We have updated the rollout pace for Scheduled Release domains to an extended rollout, expected to complete by September 30, 2025. It was previosuly listed as a full rollout, with completion expected in 5 days. 

What’s changing 

Building upon generative image capabilities across Google Workspace, we’re excited to introduce two AI image editing features in Google Slides and Google Vids. 

To expand on the ability to edit your images, we’re adding the options to modify the background of your image beyond removing the background. Simply select your image, and click on the ‘Generate an image’ icon in the side panel, select ‘Edit’ and select "Replace background." and type in a prompt, such as ‘Minimalist product shot in studio’ and select ‘Create’. This new feature can be useful in numerous scenarios, for example: 
  • Contextualize products: Take a standard product photo (e.g., a chair on a plain background) and instantly place it in a variety of realistic settings like a modern living room, a cozy café, or an outdoor patio to help customers visualize it.
  • Company headshots/team photos: Easily remove distracting backgrounds from employee photos and replace them with a professional, unified backdrop for internal and external presentations (e.g., "Meet the Team" slides, company profiles). 
  • Tailored client presentations: Quickly adapt presentation visuals to resonate with specific clients by changing backgrounds to reflect their industry, location, or company culture. For example, show a software solution being used in a specific office environment or industry setting. 
  • Visually engaging training materials: Create more appealing training slides by replacing generic backgrounds with relevant imagery that helps illustrate concepts (e.g., a customer service representative in a dynamic call center environment). 

Replacing the background of an image in Vids 

Gemini can also now help intelligently expand the background of your images, so you can seamlessly resize and reframe visuals without distortion or compromising quality. For example, if you have a smaller image of an object in your Slides presentation and you’d like to make it bigger to increase its impact, simply open the expand feature using “Generate an image” in the side panel of Slides or the sidebar. From there, you select your desired aspect ratio and can browse different image options to preview before inserting one into your presentation. 

Expanding the background of an image in Slides 


Who’s impacted 

End users 

Why you’d use it 

Editing images with Gemini helps those without design skills meet their imagery needs, and unlocks a new level of flexibility and professionalism for Vids and Slides presentations. 

Getting started 


Rollout pace 

  • Rapid Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on July 28, 2025 
  • Scheduled Release domains: Extended rollout (more than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on August 14, 2025, expected to complete by September 30, 2025. 

Availability 

Available for Google Workspace: 
  • Business Standard and Plus 
  • Enterprise Standard and Plus 
  • Customers with the Gemini Education or Gemini Education Premium add-on 
  • Google AI Pro and Ultra 
Anyone who previously purchased these legacy add-ons will also receive this feature: 
  • Gemini Business* 
  • Gemini Enterprise* 
*As of January 15, 2025, we’re no longer offering the Gemini Business and Gemini Enterprise add-ons for sale. Please refer to this announcement for more details. 

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Useful Links

Join the official community for Google Workspace administrators

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Learn about more Google Workspace launches

On the “What’s new in Google Workspace?” Help Center page, learn about new products and features launching in Google Workspace, including smaller changes that haven’t been announced on the Google Workspace Updates blog.

Learn about our customers

Discover how a diverse range of organizations, from small businesses and nimble startups to globally recognized Fortune 500 corporations, leverage the collaborative power of Google Workspace. Explore examples of how teams of are streamlining workflows and driving productivity by utilizing Google-Workspace.