Google Workspace Updates

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - May 15, 2026

2026-05-15T11:20:20.684-07:00

Whiteboarding add-ons now available for Android-based Google Meet hardware

Third-party whiteboarding add-ons for Google Meet, including Figma, Lucidspark, and Miro, will be available for room hardware based on Android. | Learn more about whiteboarding add-ons for Android-based Google Meet hardware.

Android-based all-in-one room devices from Neat and Logitech certified for Google Meet

The Neat Board series (32, 50, and Pro) and the Logitech Rally Board 65 are now certified for Google Meet as the first Android-based all-in-one devices. | Learn more about these all-in-one room devices.

Add avatars when you convert presentations to Vids

You can already convert your Google Slides content into Google Vids, and use Gemini to generate scripts, voiceovers, and background music. Now, you can add a spokesperson to your videos using AI avatars when importing content from Slides. | Learn more about adding avatars when you convert presentations to Vids.

Google Workspace Assignments LTI™ and Gemini LTI™ are now available for Moodle

We’re expanding the availability of Assignments LTI™ and Gemini LTI™ to include Moodle, joining our existing support for Canvas and Schoology. | Learn more about Assignments LTI and Gemini LTA availability for Moodle.

Use NotebookLM in your Google Workspace Studio flows

This enhancement lets you use your existing notebooks as an AI knowledge source for your automations. You can use the new Ask NotebookLM step to generate grounded responses based on the insights, summaries, and research in your notebooks. | Learn more about NotebookLM in Workspace Studio.

Small businesses can now seamlessly import users from Microsoft to Google Workspace

We’re excited to announce the beta release of a new, simplified way for very small and small-sized businesses to import their users from Microsoft to Google Workspace when setting up their Workspace account for the first time. | Learn more about this new data import option for small businesses.

Deploying ServiceNow Now Assist Virtual Agent from the Google Workspace Marketplace

Google Workspace customers can now deploy the Now Assist Virtual Agent for Google Chat integration directly from the Google Workspace Marketplace. | Learn more about the ServiceNow Now Assist Virtual Agent for Chat.

Enhancing the Datadog app for Google Chat

The latest version of the Datadog app for Google Chat allows you to integrate Datadog into your Google Chat workflows more seamlessly and stay on top of critical infrastructure without leaving the flow of team collaboration. | Learn more about the updated Datadog app for Chat.

Improving security posture with default context-aware access for all SAML applications

This update introduces a default assignment that serves as a universal security baseline, automatically protecting any SAML-based app that does not have a specific policy already assigned. | Learn more about applying a global context-aware access (CAA) policy to all SAML applications.

Expanded options for header images in Google Forms

Previously, creators could only use a pre-selected theme, upload an image, or choose an image from Google Photos. In addition to these options, they can now choose an image from Google Drive or Google Images or use a URL. | Learn more about new options for header images in Forms.

Expanding language support for refining messages with Gemini in Google Chat

In addition to English, users can now use Gemini to polish their messages in French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish. | Learn more about expanded language support for Refine with Gemini in Chat.

The announcements above were published on the Workspace Updates blog over the last week. Please refer to the original blog posts for complete details.

Android-based all-in-one room devices from Neat and Logitech certified for Google Meet

2026-05-15T11:18:27.540-07:00

The Neat Board series (32, 50, and Pro) and the Logitech Rally Board 65 are now certified for Google Meet as the first Android-based all-in-one devices. They package up and deliver a modern Meet experience in stylish form factors ideal for simple deployment in traditional meeting rooms, open spaces, personal offices, phone booths, and even portable solutions.

Equipped with touch displays, these devices can be used for both traditional video meetings and interactive whiteboarding via the Figma, Lucid, and Miro add-ons.

Neat Board Series Pro, 50 and 32

Logitech Rally Board 65

Getting started

Admins: The Logitech Rally Bar 65 and the Neat Board 32, 50, and Pro are available for order starting today through authorized partners. Firmware updates enabling native Google Meet support will begin rolling out immediately.
End users: There is no end user setting for this feature.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Available now

Availability

Available to all Google Workspace customers with Google Meet hardware devices

Resources

Google Workspace Admin Help: Google Meet hardware certification program for ChromeOS and AOSP
Logitech: Rally Board 65
Neat: Neat Board Series

Whiteboarding add-ons now available for Android-based Google Meet hardware

2026-05-15T11:17:36.619-07:00

Third-party whiteboarding add-ons for Google Meet will be available for room hardware based on Android. As all-in-one devices with touchscreens become certified for Meet, users will be able to whiteboard on them to share ideas, brainstorm, and work on projects together in real-time meetings, wherever they are.

The following third-party whiteboard software will be available on these devices:

Figma
Lucidspark
Miro

Participants who join Meet calls on the web or via the mobile app will be able to view and interact in whiteboard sessions by installing the corresponding add-on. Add-ons can be found in the Workspace Marketplace along with pricing and terms from each third-party vendor.

Add-ons for Google Meet are available from the Workspace Marketplace

Getting started

Admins: To use whiteboarding with room hardware, admins must first install the Figma, Lucidspark, or Miro add-on from the Google Workspace Marketplace. These add-ons can be installed for OUs with room devices or your entire domain. Visit the Help Center to learn more about installing Marketplace apps for your organization.
End users: If their admin allows it, users can install the Figma, Lucidspark, and Miro add-ons from the Google Workspace Marketplace. Visit the Help Center to learn how to use add-ons with Google Meet.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Available now

Availability

Available to all Google Workspace customers with Google Meet hardware devices

Resources

Google Meet Hardware Help: Use add-ons with Google Meet on Desk 27 and Board 65
Google Meet Help: Use add-ons with Google Meet
Google Workspace Admin Help: Install Marketplace apps for your organization

Expanding language support for refining messages with Gemini in Google Chat

2026-05-14T10:39:40.984-07:00

We are expanding the capabilities of Gemini in Google Chat by adding support for several new languages when refining message drafts. In addition to English, users can now use Gemini to polish their messages in French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish. This update allows a broader range of global users to improve the clarity and professional tone of their communications within Chat.

By leveraging Gemini to adjust wording, grammar, and spelling, users can communicate more effectively across different languages and regions. This is particularly helpful for teams working in multilingual environments or for individuals composing messages in a second language, ensuring that the intended meaning is conveyed accurately and confidently.

Getting started

Admins: This feature remains on by default for eligible users. Use the Help Center to learn how to manage access to Gemini features in Workspace services.
End users: This feature will be available by default for eligible users. When composing a message in any of the supported languages, select the "Refine" icon from the formatting toolbar or highlight specific text to see refinement options. Visit the Help Center to learn how to improve your Chat messages with Refine.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) started on May 11, 2026
Scheduled Release domains: Full rollout (1–3 days for feature visibility) starting on May 26, 2026

Availability

Business: Business Standard and Plus
Enterprise: Enterprise Standard and Plus
Consumer: Google AI Pro and Ultra
Other Editions: Frontline Plus
Education Add-ons: Google AI Pro for Education

Resources

Google Help: Improve your Chat messages with Refine

Expanded options for header images in Google Forms

2026-05-14T09:30:57.323-07:00

Form creators now have more options for header images in Google Forms. Previously, creators could only use a pre-selected theme, upload an image, or choose an image from Google Photos. In addition to these options, they can now choose an image from Google Drive or Google Images or use a URL. This makes it easier to add an appropriate and compelling header image to your form.

User chooses a Google Drive image as the header image for a Google Form

Getting started

Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
End users: Visit the Help Center to learn more about adding a header image.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) visibility) started on May 14, 2026
Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on June 1, 2026

Availability

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

Resources

Google Help: Change the theme or font of your form

Improving security posture with default context-aware access for all SAML applications

2026-05-14T09:13:41.770-07:00

Administrators can now apply a global context-aware access (CAA) policy to all SAML applications within their organization. This update introduces a default assignment that serves as a universal security baseline, automatically protecting any SAML-based app that does not have a specific policy already assigned. By establishing this "secure-by-default" posture, IT teams can help protect internal data and third-party SaaS tools as new applications are integrated into their ecosystem.

This global control significantly reduces the administrative burden of managing security for applications at scale. Instead of manually configuring rules for every individual SAML app, administrators can set a single policy to cover their entire environment. Specific application-level policies will still take precedence, allowing for granular control where needed while the global policy acts as a reliable safety net.

These default policies support both Monitor and Active modes, providing flexibility in how security requirements are phased in. Detailed audit logs will capture these enforcement events, and remediation messages help end users understand how to resolve access issues independently.

Admins can configure CAA policies for all SAML apps in the Admin console under Security > Context-aware Access > General settings.

Getting started

Admins: This feature will be OFF by default and can be enabled at the OU or group level. Visit the Help Center to learn more about applying a default context-aware access policy for all SAML apps.
End users: This feature is available to admins only.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Available now

Availability

Enterprise: Enterprise Standard and Plus
Education: Education Standard and Plus
Other Editions: Frontline Standard and Plus; Enterprise Essentials Plus; Cloud Identity Premium

Resources

Google Workspace Admin Help: Apply a default Context-Aware Access policy for all SAML apps
Google Workspace Admin Help: Deploy Context-Aware Access

Enhancing the Datadog app for Google Chat

2026-05-14T09:09:43.950-07:00

Link previews

Cut and paste a widget from a Datadog dashboard and see the chart inside Google Chat.

Improved notification set-up

Link your Workspace domain to Datadog and you’ll be able to easily create Google Chat notification handles from within Datadog.

Incident management

Declare incidents with a command from Google Chat, and automatically create spaces in Google Chat to centralize conversations about an incident.

Note that a Datadog license is required to use the Datadog app for Chat.

Getting started

Admins: Ensure the Datadog Google Chat App is allowlisted for your organization, then follow instructions to connect your Chat organization to your Datadog organization and delegate a service account user.
End users: Share dashboard widgets by copying and pasting from Datadog. Learn more about configuring and declaring incidents from Google Chat.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Available now

Availability

Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts (Datadog license required)

Resources

Google Workspace Marketplace: Datadog
Datadog Docs: Integrate Google Chat with Datadog Incident Management
Datadog Docs: Google Chat

Deploying ServiceNow Now Assist Virtual Agent from the Google Workspace Marketplace

2026-05-14T07:51:06.935-07:00

Google Workspace customers can now deploy the Now Assist Virtual Agent for Google Chat integration directly from the Google Workspace Marketplace. This update simplifies the deployment process for Workspace and ServiceNow administrators, allowing them to provide employees with centralized access to support and automated workflows within their primary communication tool more easily.

The Now Assist Virtual Agent allows users to perform routine ServiceNow tasks and requests without leaving Google Chat. Individuals can get answers from knowledge base articles, create support tickets, check the status of existing requests, and order new items. This integration reduces the need to switch between applications, helping users maintain focus and resolve issues more efficiently.

With Now Assist, users have a contextual conversational experience that can initiate AI Agents to further automate complex workflows and requests.

Getting started

Admins: ServiceNow admins need to install the Google Chat plugin 3.0 and link their Google Chat with ServiceNow. Workspace admins can then deploy the Now Assist Virtual Agent on their users’ behalf. Visit the Help Center to learn more about installing Marketplace apps for your organization.
End users: End users need a ServiceNow account to use this app. They can search for the Now Assist Virtual Agent in Google Chat under Apps > Find apps or visit the Google Workspace Marketplace to install the Now Assist Virtual Agent.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Available now

Availability

Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. To utilize this feature, customers must have both ServiceNow and Google Chat. Note that Now Assist capabilities require an additional license from ServiceNow.

Resources

ServiceNow Help Center: Activate Now Assist in Virtual Agent for Google Chat
ServiceNow Help Center: Conversational Integration with Google ChatGoogle
Workspace Updates Blog: Effortlessly work with ServiceNow data across Google Chat and Sheets

Small businesses can now seamlessly import users from Microsoft to Google Workspace

2026-05-13T09:52:52.870-07:00

This new feature allows these businesses and educational institutions to automatically copy their existing Microsoft users into Google Workspace. Once you connect to Microsoft, the system automatically identifies users in your Microsoft account and prepares to add them in your new Google Workspace account. This feature significantly reduces the time and effort of switching from Microsoft and helps you get your organization up and running in no time.

You can complete the import in a single click after connecting to your Microsoft business account.

Additional details

If you are a small business looking to switch from Microsoft to Google Workspace, you can now import up to 10 Microsoft users automatically through this new feature. Visit the Help Center to learn how to import more than 10 users from Microsoft.
You can import emails, calendars, contacts, and OneDrive files for the imported users through the data import tool in the Admin console.
You can import users only after completing your domain verification.

Getting started

Admins: This feature will be available in the setup process for Google Workspace. Once you’ve verified your domain and activated your email records, you will find an option to import your users from Microsoft to Google Workspace before completing the setup. Visit the Help Center to learn more about importing business data during setup.
End users: This feature is for admins only.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) started started on April 28, 2026

Availability

Business: Business Starter, Standard, and Plus
Enterprise: Enterprise Starter, Standard, and Plus
Education: Education Fundamentals, Standard, and Plus
Other Editions: Frontline Starter, Standard, and Plus; Essentials Starter, Enterprise Essentials, and Enterprise Essentials Plus; Individual; Nonprofits; Cloud Identity Free and Premium
Education Add-ons: Google AI Pro for Education; Teaching and Learning; Endpoint Education

Resources

Google Workspace Admin Help: Import business data during setup (beta)

Use NotebookLM in your Google Workspace Studio flows

2026-05-12T13:21:56.429-07:00

We’re integrating NotebookLM into Google Workspace Studio. This enhancement lets you use your existing notebooks as an AI knowledge source for your automations. You can use the new Ask NotebookLM step to generate grounded responses based on the insights, summaries, and research in your notebooks.

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 the Ask NotebookLM step.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Full rollout (1–3 days for feature visibility) starting on May 12, 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*

*Starting June 1, 2026, users with AI Expanded Access licenses will have higher limits on usage of Workspace Studio.

Resources

Google Workspace Admin Help: Workspace Studio
Workspace Studio Help: Get Started with Workspace Studio
YouTube: Workspace Studio Playlist
Discord: Workspace Studio Channel

Google Workspace Assignments LTI™ and Gemini LTI™ are now available for Moodle

2026-05-12T09:09:32.254-07:00

We’re expanding the availability of Assignments LTI™ and Gemini LTI™ to include Moodle, joining our existing support for Canvas and Schoology. Gemini LTI™ brings Google AI tools like the Gemini app and NotebookLM directly into third-party Learning Management Systems (LMS), enabling students and teachers to get in-the-moment assistance to enhance their teaching and learning experiences.

Assignments LTI™ allows educators to securely distribute, analyze, and grade student work while checking for authenticity through originality reports. While the core functionality remains consistent across platforms, Moodle administrators will benefit from a streamlined setup process by using the LTI Dynamic Registration specification to register these tools.

This expansion helps educational institutions centralize access to Google’s AI tools, including features like content-grounded notebooks and automated FAQ support for students. For educators, Assignments LTI™ continues to facilitate efficient grading and the use of originality reports to help ensure authentic work. Students can also use the Gemini LTI™ integration to access course-specific guidance, generate audio overviews of materials with NotebookLM, and engage with training resources designed for the safe and productive use of AI in their studies.

Getting started

Admins:

In order for educators and students to access the Gemini LTI™, Workspace admins need to enable both the Google Workspace LTI™ service and the Gemini service in the Admin console. Visit the Help Center to learn more about Gemini LTI. LMS admins need to enable Gemini LTI™ in their LMS as well. Visit the Help Center to learn more about setting up Gemini LTI in Moodle.
For educators and students to access the Assignments LTI™, Workspace admins need to enable the Google Workspace LTI™ service in the Admin console. Visit the Help Center to learn more about Assignments LTI.

End users: Visit the Help Center to learn more about Gemini LTI™ and Assignments LTI™.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Full rollout (1–3 days for feature visibility) started on May 11, 2026

Availability

Education: Education Fundamentals, Standard, and Plus

Resources

Add avatars when you convert presentations to Vids

2026-05-11T14:01:00.000-07:00

You can already convert your Google Slides content into Google Vids, and use Gemini to generate scripts, voiceovers, and background music. Now, you can add a spokesperson to your videos using AI avatars when importing content from Slides. Avatars are dynamically inserted throughout the imported slides to make the generated Vid feel more relatable and engaging.

Turning a Slides presentation into a Vid with an avatar

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 about converting Google Slides into Google Vids.

Note: Through July 1, 2026, Workspace customers will get promotional access to higher limits for adding avatars when converting presentations to Vids, allowing users to experiment with this feature. Per-user usage limits will apply after that date; we’ll provide more information in the Help Center in advance of updated usage limits going into effect.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on May 11, 2026
Scheduled Release domains: Full rollout (1–3 days for feature visibility) starting on June 1, 2026

Availability

Business: Business Starter*, Standard, and Plus
Enterprise: Enterprise Starter*, Standard, and Plus
Education: Education Plus*
Consumer: Google AI Pro and Ultra
Other Editions: Nonprofits*
Education Add-ons: Google AI Pro for Education; Teaching and Learning*
Other Add-ons: AI Expanded Access

*For a limited time, at least through May 31, 2026, Business Starter, Enterprise Starter, Education Plus, Nonprofits, and Teaching and Learning add-on accounts can access generative AI features in Vids. Learn about Google Vids availability.

Resources

Google Help: Convert Google Slides into Google Vids

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - May 8, 2026

2026-05-08T12:25:00.000-07:00

Now generally available: Bulk import using client-side encryption and the Drive API

Previously available in beta, client-side encryption (CSE) customers can now conduct bulk migrations of sensitive files from both cloud and on-premises data sources. | Learn more about how to bulk import using client-side encryption and the Drive API.

Securely manage AI and agent access to Workspace data with the AI control center

Securely managing access for generative AI and agent actions to Workspace data is easier ever than before with the new AI control center in the Admin console. | Learn more about how to securely manage AI and agent access to Workspace data with the AI control center.

Set custom instructions for Gemini in Google Docs

We are introducing the ability to set custom, persistent instructions for Gemini in Google Docs. These instructions 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. | Learn more about how to set custom instructions for Gemini in Google Docs.

Require explicit consent for Take Notes with Gemini, recordings, and transcripts in Google Meet

We’re introducing a new feature that allows administrators to require explicit consent from meeting participants before automatic note-taking, recording, and/or transcription begins. | Learn more about how to require explicit consent for Take Notes with Gemini, recordings, and transcripts in Google Meet.

Turn your AI prompts into one-click tools using skills in Chrome

To streamline your workday, we’re launching skills in Chrome for eligible Workspace users. This feature allows you to save your most effective prompts and run them instantly with a single click, no matter where you are on the web. | Learn more about how to turn your AI prompts into one-click tools using skills in Chrome.

Improvements to the Meet starter step and Calendar time-blocking capabilities in Google Workspace Studio

We’re introducing enhancements to the Google Meet starter step in Google Workspace Studio. As part of this, the step When a meeting transcript is ready has been renamed When meeting outputs are ready. | Learn more about the improvements to the Meet starter step and Calendar time-blocking capabilities in Google Workspace Studio.

View the Google Meet live stream automatically if an adaptive meeting becomes full

We're making it simpler to join large Google Meet events. When an adaptive meeting reaches its maximum capacity for meeting contributors (those with camera, microphone, and screen sharing privileges), any additional users attempting to join the main call are automatically redirected to join the live stream instead. | Learn more about how to view the Google Meet live stream automatically if an adaptive meeting becomes full.

Google Workspace Studio available in more languages

Google Workspace Studio has expanded its support to include seven new languages. | Learn more about Google Workspace Studio available in more languages.

Improvements To Help Me Write in Gmail

Help me write in Gmail is evolving into an even more helpful partner that can pull in your natural voice and personalized context to get you closer to the perfect draft every time. | Learn more about improvements To Help Me Write in Gmail.

Improvements To Help Me Write in Gmail

2026-05-07T13:48:00.000-07:00

As previously announced, Help me write in Gmail is evolving into an even more helpful partner that can pull in your natural voice and personalized context to get you closer to the perfect draft every time. We’ve added two new personalization enhancements:

Topic contextualization: The feature can now connect to Google Drive and Gmail based on your prompt. It will then use the context from these apps to automatically insert relevant information into the email draft, reducing the time you spend toggling between apps to find specific details.

Tone and style personalization: Help me write can also now create personalized email drafts that match the tone and style of your previously written emails.

Before and after of a generated email

With these new changes, users will save valuable time currently spent on cross-Workspace app context switching to reference correct sources, typing, copy-pasting, and formatting. Just type a short prompt, and delegate the draft writing for common use cases, including:

Responding to inquiries from customers and partners
Distributing information, documents, or materials to collaborators
Reporting progress, milestones, and project-related issue to leadership
Seeking assistance or answers from team
Providing or asking for feedback from peers
Sharing team announcements or progress reports to the organization
Introducing new projects
Exploring potential partnerships
Teacher-parent- communications
Grant proposals

Getting started

Admins: This feature is available by default if both Gemini for Workspace in Gmail is enabled and Workspace Intelligence access to Gmail is enabled.
End users: This feature is available by default and activated for prompts that have relevant context. Visit the Help Center article to learn more about drafting emails with Gemini in Gmail.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) started on May 5, 2026

Availability

Business: Business Starter, Standard, and Plus
Enterprise: Enterprise Starter, Standard, and Plus
Consumer: Google AI Plus, Pro, and Ultra
Education Add-ons: Google AI Pro for Education

Resources

Google Help: Draft emails with Gemini in Gmail

Google Workspace Studio available in more languages

2026-05-07T12:36:00.000-07:00

Google Workspace Studio has expanded its support to include seven new languages. In addition to English, Workspace Studio now offers full capabilities in:

French
German
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Portuguese
Spanish

Getting started

Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
End users: Try out Google Workspace Studio, and visit the Help Center to learn more.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Full rollout (1–3 days for feature visibility) starting on May 7, 2026

Availability

Business: Business Starter, Standard, and Plus
Enterprise: Enterprise Standard and Plus
Education: Education Fundamentals, Standard, Plus, Teaching and Learning
AI Add-ons: Google AI Pro for Education

Resources

Google Workspace Admin Help: Workspace Studio admin help
Google Help: Workspace Studio Help
Google Workspace Learning Center: Workspace Studio training and help
Google Workspace Blog: Introducing Google Workspace Studio: Automate everyday work with AI agents
YouTube: Google Workspace Studio video playlist
Discord Channel: Google Workspace Studio Discord

View the Google Meet live stream automatically if an adaptive meeting becomes full

2026-05-07T07:20:00.000-07:00

We're making it simpler to join large Google Meet events. When an adaptive meeting reaches its maximum capacity for meeting contributors (those with camera, microphone, and screen sharing privileges), any additional users attempting to join the main call are automatically redirected to join the live stream instead. In the live stream they can still interact using reactions, chat, polls and Q&A. What interactive features are available depends on what the host allows in the Host controls settings.

Users that try to join the main call while only invited to the live stream will also be redirected automatically.

This means a smoother, seamless viewing experience for everyone attending your largest meetings. It doesn't change access settings to meetings or live streams. The host still remains in control over who can take part in meetings and live streams, and which features are available for them to use. The new redirect will be working for any meetings hosts make adaptive under Meeting Access.

Participants can still also join the live stream directly by clicking the separate live stream link in calendar events.

Getting started

Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
End users: This feature is automatically turned on for any meeting hosts make adaptive in Meet Settings > Host controls > Meeting access. There is no setting for meeting attendees. Visit the Help Center to learn more about adaptive meeting settings.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting May 6, 2026
Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting May 20, 2026

Availability

Enterprise: Enterprise Starter, Standard, and Plus
Education: Education Plus
Education Add-ons: Teaching and Learning

Resources

Google Help: Start or schedule a Google Meet meeting - Adaptive meetings
Google Help: Live stream a video meeting
Google Workspace Updates Blog: Launching a new Adaptive meeting type

Improvements to the Meet starter step and Calendar time-blocking capabilities in Google Workspace Studio

2026-05-06T09:54:00.000-07:00

We’re introducing enhancements to the Google Meet starter step in Google Workspace Studio. As part of this, the step When a meeting transcript is ready has been renamed When meeting outputs are ready. This step now allows you to decide if the workflow should run when either meeting transcripts or Notes by Gemini are ready. Previously, only meeting transcripts would trigger the flow to run.

In addition, you can now select up to 100 different meetings to trigger your flow whereas in the past you could only select one meeting. This update allows you to easily automate the same process for multiple events.

Use the updated “When meeting outputs are ready” starter step

With these enhancements, you gain greater precision in managing which meeting artifacts and which specific meetings activate your workflow.

Block time on your calendar

We’re also making it possible for Workspace Studio flows to block time on your calendar.

You can use the “Block time” step with “Ask Gemini” or “Extract” steps to automate use cases like adding a reminder block on your calendar for an appointment confirmation or required training you received in email, or to schedule focus time. The event the flow creates is just for you and no guests can be added.

Use the “Block time” step to create an event for you in your calendar

Getting started

Admins: There is no admin control for this feature. VIsit the Help Center to learn more about managing access to steps and starts in Workspace Studio.
End users: Try the feature in Google Workspace Studio. Visit the Help Center to learn more about the Meet starter step and the Block time step.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Full rollout (1–3 days for feature visibility) starting on May 6, 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*

*Starting June 1, 2026, users with AI Expanded Access licenses will have higher limits on usage of Workspace Studio.

Resources

Google Workspace Admin Help: Workspace Studio admin help
Google Help: Get Started with Workspace Studio
Google Workspace Learning Center: Workspace Studio training and help
Google Workspace Blog: Introducing Google Workspace Studio: Automate everyday work with AI agents
YouTube: Google Workspace Studio video playlist
Discord Channel: Google Workspace Studio Discord

Turn your AI prompts into one-click tools using skills in Chrome

2026-05-06T09:44:00.000-07:00

Professionals are using Gemini in Chrome to accelerate their daily workflows—from summarizing complex reports to drafting client emails and analyzing market data.

Until now, repeating a high-value AI task meant re-entering the same prompt every time you navigated to a new page or document. To streamline your workday, we’re launching skills in Chrome for eligible Workspace users. This feature allows you to save your most effective prompts and run them instantly with a single click, no matter where you are on the web.

By turning your proven prompts into reusable skills, you can focus less on prompt engineering and more on high-impact work.

Getting started

Admins: There is no admin control for skills. It will be on by default for all users with access to Gemini in Chrome. Visit the Help Center to learn more about about turning the Gemini app, including Gemini for Chrome, on or off.
End users: To access Gemini in Chrome, click the Ask Gemini icon at the top of your browser. Visit the Help Center to learn more about how to use skills here.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) started on April 14, 2026

Availability

Business: Business Starter, Standard, and Plus
Enterprise: Enterprise Starter, Standard, and Plus
Education: Education Fundamentals, Standard, and Plus
Other Editions: Frontline Starter, Standard, and Plus; Enterprise Essentials and Enterprise Essentials Plus; Nonprofits
Education Add-ons: Google AI Pro for Education
Other Add-ons: AI Expanded Access

Resources

Chrome Enterprise & Education Help: Gemini in Chrome
Workspace Updates Blog: Use the Gemini in Chrome AI browsing assistant, now generally available
Google Workspace Admin Help: Turn the Gemini app on or off
Google Workspace Admin Help: Review Gemini usage in your organization
Chrome Enterprise: Gemini Settings
Google Workspace Admin Help: Generative AI in Google Workspace Privacy Hub

Require explicit consent for Take Notes with Gemini, recordings, and transcripts in Google Meet

2026-05-05T11:05:00.000-07:00

We’re introducing a new feature that allows administrators to require explicit consent from meeting participants before automatic note-taking, recording, and/or transcription begins. With this update, admins can ensure that participants on supported devices must actively agree to be recorded, be transcribed, or have notes enabled.

Getting started

Admins: This feature will be OFF by default and can be enabled at the domain, OU, or group level. You can find these settings in the Admin console Visit the Help Center to learn more.

Dialog showing consent required for meeting attendee

End users: There is no end user setting for this feature. Visit the Help Center to learn more.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on May 5, 2026

Availability

These editions include consent for notes, recordings, and transcripts:

Business: Business Standard and Plus
Enterprise: Enterprise Standard and Plus
Other Editions: Frontline Plus
Education Add-ons: Google AI Pro for Education

These editions include consent for transcripts and recordings:

Enterprise: Enterprise Starter
Education: Education Plus
Education Add-ons: Teaching and Learning

These editions include consent for recording:

Other Editions: Essentials Starter, Enterprise Essentials

Resources

Google Workspace Admin Help: Manage participant consent for Meet features
Google Help: Take notes for me in Google Meet
Google Help: Record a video meeting
Google Help: Use transcripts with Google Meet

Set custom instructions for Gemini in Google Docs

2026-05-04T13:47:00.000-07:00

Users can add instructions and rules using Gemini in the side panel of Docs such as "Always respond in bullet points," "When summarizing Docs, always include a 3 bullet points at the top."" or "Use a concise and professional tone for all my documents."

Note that users are currently limited to 1000 active instructions.

Getting started

Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
End users: Get started by opening the side panel in Gemini in Docs and requesting Gemini to store a specific instruction. 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 May 4, 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: Frontline Plus
Education Add-Ons: Google AI Pro for Education, Teaching and Learning
Other Add-Ons: AI Expanded Access; AI Ultra Access

Resources

Google Help: Customize Gemini in Workspace's responses with your instructions

Securely manage AI and agent access to Workspace data with the AI control center

2026-05-04T12:04:00.000-07:00

Securely managing access for generative AI and agent actions to Workspace data is easier ever than before with the new AI control center in the Admin console. This new capability gives enterprise organizations greater visibility and control, especially for teams with stringent data security and compliance requirements.

With the AI control center, admins will feel empowered to confidently deploy and adopt AI in their organizations through

A single pane of glass that provides a centralized view of security and governance settings for generative AI and agent actions
More granular security, governance, and auditing capabilities for Gemini and agentic solutions accessing Workspace data
Additional integrations with other 1P and 3P AI apps to manage AI access and controls to Workspace data

Additional details

The AI control center has four core modules, each addressing key areas of interest for administrators.

Monitor and control AI access: Provides immediate visibility into who is using AI in your organization. It features direct links to Gemini usage reports and core management settings for the Gemini app, Gemini for Workspace and other AI features. To start, the AI control center will show usage for Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet, Calendar, Chat, and the Gemini App.
Manage security for AI products: Enables granular authority over specific services, such as Gemini in Meet, allowing admins to ensure every AI surface adheres to domain-specific data and security policies.
Manage fundamental security: Anchors AI usage in a secure environment by surfacing foundational protections like classification labels, trust rules, and data protection rules to prevent oversharing and data leaks also when using AI.
Review privacy, abuse, and compliance standards: Directs admins to Google’s guaranteed safeguards, including our "Secure by Design" architecture and the commitment that your domain's data is never used to train our models.

Throughout the AI control center, certain settings will be marked “Coming soon,” allowing admins to plan longer-term rollouts with future capabilities in mind.

Getting started

Admins: The AI control center is available by default in the Google Admin console under Generative AI > AI control center. No manual opt-in is required to access the dashboard. Visit the Help Center to learn more about AI control center.
End users: No end user action is required. This feature provides administrative visibility and control within the Admin console.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Available now

Availability

Enterprise: Enterprise Standard and Plus

Resources

Google Workspace Admin Help: Explore the AI control center

Now generally available: Bulk import using client-side encryption and the Drive API

2026-05-04T09:27:00.000-07:00

Previously available in beta, client-side encryption (CSE) customers can now conduct bulk migrations of sensitive files from both cloud and on-premises data sources. This process ensures confidential content is wrapped with customer-managed keys before it's imported into Google Workspace. Using this tooling, CSE customers can decommission their legacy third-party storage while ensuring the CSE model is in place throughout the document lifecycle. The API is highly configurable, we share a generalized sample code to make deployment simple, but customers can further customize it depending on their needs.

Getting started

Admins: This feature will be ON by default for customers. Admins or authorized users will need to call the Drive API to leverage the feature. Visit the Help Center to learn more.
End users: There is no end-user setting in Drive for this feature.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Available now

Availability

Enterprise: Enterprise Plus
Education: Education Standard and Plus
Other Editions: Frontline Plus

Resources

Google Workspace: Google Drive API overview
Google Workspace: Manage client-side encrypted files with the Drive API
Google Workspace: Best practices for bulk importing client-side encrypted files
Code sample: GitHub, PyPI
Keyword: Import sensitive external files to Google Drive with client-side encryption using the Drive API, launching in beta
Knowledge: About client-side encryption

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - May 1, 2026

2026-05-01T13:08:00.000-07:00

Move from conversation to creation with file generation in Gemini

Gemini can now transform your ideas, using conversational prompts, directly into thoughtfully formatted files, such as Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, PDFs and more, directly in your chats with Gemini. | Learn more about how to move from conversation to creation with file generation in Gemini.

Students can now create personal class notebooks with NotebookLM in Google Classroom

With this launch, we’re allowing students in higher education who are 18 years of age and older to create their own notebooks for courses in Google Classroom. | Learn more about students creating personal class notebooks with NotebookLM.

Workspace audit logs: New functionality and expanded event fields in the Admin console

We're releasing several enhancements to deepen the security investigation capabilities of the Workspace audit log, including expanded fields across many data sources. | Learn more about new functionality and expanded event fields in the Admin console.

New ways to customize AI-generated meeting notes

We are giving users more control over "Take notes for me" in Google Meet with new customization options and an improved Decisions section. | Learn more about new ways to customize AI-generated meeting notes.

New: Agent tools and security updates for Google Workspace developers

We're opening the Workspace MCP server to public developer preview and introducing a standardized tiering model for all agent tools inclusive of our APIs in Workspace. | Learn more about agent tools and security updates for Google Workspace developers.

Google Takeout Transfer now supports Google Photos for Education users

We’re expanding Google Takeout Transfer to include Google Photos, allowing users to migrate their memories from their school or university-issued Google account to a personal Google account. | Learn more about Google Takeout Transfer support for Google Photos.

The announcements above were published on the Workspace Updates blog over the last week. Please refer to the original blog posts for complete details.

Google Takeout Transfer now supports Google Photos for Education users

2026-05-01T12:55:00.000-07:00

When users graduate or leave an organization, they can preserve their academic work by using Google Takeout Transfer to take their Google Drive and Gmail content with them. We’re now expanding Google Takeout Transfer to include Google Photos, allowing users to migrate their memories from their school or university-issued Google account to a personal Google account.

This is the first step in providing a clear migration path for Photos data, ensuring that creative work and personal history stays with individuals long after they leave an organization. When users navigate to takeout.google.com/transfer they will soon see an option to include Photos content. Note that users will need to have sufficient storage in their personal account to complete the transfer.

Users leaving your organization can now use Google Takeout to seamlessly copy and transfer their Google Photos content - including photos, videos, and albums - alongside their Drive and Gmail data to a personal Google account.

Later this year, we will introduce new Photos management and bulk-deletion capabilities in the admin console. These tools will provide better visibility into which users have migrated their data and allow you to proactively manage Photos content to help your institution free up critical pooled Drive storage.

Getting started

Admins: This feature will be OFF by default and can be enabled at the OU level. Visit the Help Center to learn more about letting graduating students transfer data.
End users: Visit the Help Center to learn more about copying content from your school account to another account.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Available now

Availability

Education: Education Fundamentals, Standard, and Plus

Resources

Google Workspace Admin Help: Let graduating students transfer data
Google Account Help: Copy content from your school account to another account
Google Drive Help: Manage your storage in Drive, Gmail & Photos

New: Agent tools and security updates for Google Workspace developers

2026-05-01T11:52:00.000-07:00

At Cloud Next ‘26, we announced a new suite of agent tools for Google Workspace, including a Workspace MCP server, command line interface (CLI), and remote MCP integrations.

Today, we are opening the Workspace MCP server to public developer preview. As AI agents become a central part of how we work, they need a standardized way to access the right context and tools. The Workspace MCP server provides that bridge, allowing AI agents to safely tap into the richness of Workspace capabilities.

Workspace MCP server: Now in public developer preview

The Workspace MCP server allows developers to access a suite of dedicated tools to power agents interacting with Workspace data:

Gmail MCP: Profile access, drafting, searching, and read/write capabilities.
Drive MCP: File fetching, permissions management, listing, and uploading.
Calendar MCP: Finding available times and managing events.
Chat MCP: Finding conversations, searching messages, and reading/sending replies.
People dictionary MCP: Managing user contacts and accessing profile information.

Empower agents with a secure ecosystem

As these agents scale, we are committed to maintaining a healthy ecosystem by addressing the unique risks associated with large-scale agentic actions, such as API abuse and unintended large-scale data egress. To foster innovation while managing the potential impact of high-volume data access, we are introducing a standardized tiering model for all agent tools inclusive of our APIs in Workspace.

This model is designed to manage agent workflows at scale, providing a structure as application impact increases The framework is intended to maintain the agility of developers:

Empowering the community: We expect less than 1% of active Workspace developers will need to move beyond our standard usage tiers. This means the vast majority of our developer community can continue to build and innovate without friction.
Scalability with confidence: For those developers and agents that grow to serve millions of users, the model provides a clear, predictable path to scale safely, ensuring the performance and data integrity that enterprise customers expect.

Getting started

Developers: Visit our developer documentation to learn more about the Workspace MCP server. More information on the operational tiers is available in the Workspace developer API tiering.
Admins: No action is required at this time. Access to Workspace APIs can be managed via the Admin console under Security > API Controls.

Rollout pace

Workspace MCP server: Gradual rollout starting May 1, 2026
Workspace API and MCP tiering: Updated usage quotas for new projects only will roll out starting May 1, 2026. We'll notify owners of existing projects at least 60 days before any changes go into effect to ensure a smooth transition.

Availability

Available to all Google Workspace customers and developers

Resources

Google Workspace Developer Site
Google Workspace Developer Guide: Configure the Google Workspace MCP servers
Google Workspace Developer Documentation: Google Workspace standardized model for agent tools and APIs