Google Workspace Updates

Connect to Google Meet hardware with room codes now in Early Preview

2026-06-23T11:57:59.663-07:00

Google Meet users can now connect to nearby conference room hardware by entering a 5-character room code on their personal device. Meet recently launched Connect Room using proximity-based detection to identify nearby hardware. This update provides a reliable manual fallback when ultrasound is unavailable or disabled. Users will see a "Connect with room code" button on their device’s pre-call screen, which allows them to enter the alphanumeric code displayed directly on the hardware’s screen.

This feature ensures that meetings remain accessible particularly for private or ad-hoc sessions where automated detection might fail. To maintain security and prevent accidental connections, users must physically confirm their presence by tapping the room hardware screen after entering the code. The room code itself is designed for clarity and security, refreshing every few minutes to ensure only those in the room can initiate the connection.

For IT administrators, this update reduces troubleshooting overhead by providing a built-in alternative for rooms with complex acoustic environments or restricted proximity settings. By streamlining the connection process, organizations can ensure that employees spend less time managing hardware and more time collaborating effectively.

Note: This feature is only available to users in domains on the Rapid Release track attempting to connect to devices enrolled in Early Preview. We’ll provide an update on the Workspace Updates blog when we begin a broader rollout.

Getting started

Admins: Admins: To preview this feature, your domain must be on the Rapid Release track and have devices enrolled in Early Preview. Visit the Help Center to learn more about enabling Early Preview for your Meet hardware devices.
End users: Visit the Help Center to learn more about connecting with room codes.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release domains: Rolling out now to Meet hardware devices enrolled in Early Preview, with expected completion by June 30, 2026

Availability

Available to all Google Workspace customers with Google Meet hardware devices

Resources

Google Meet Help: Use Connect room feature in Google Meet
Workspace Updates Blog: Seamlessly join meetings on Google Meet hardware with “Connect room”

Google Apps Script is now a Google Workspace core service with enterprise-grade data protection

2026-06-23T09:31:06.212-07:00

Google Apps Script is officially a Google Workspace core service. Covered under the Google Cloud Terms of Service and Google Workspace for Education Terms of Service, Apps Script now offers the same enterprise-grade data protection, robust administrative controls, and standard technical support that safeguards other core services. With this update, you can now more confidently deploy Apps Script across your organization.

More about Apps Script

Apps Script is a cloud-based JavaScript platform that enables users to customize, automate, and extend Google Workspace applications like Sheets, Docs, and Forms, as well as build custom solutions and add-ons. You can use it to:

Create custom menus, dialogs, and sidebars within Sheets, Docs, and Slides.
Write custom functions for Sheets to automate complex calculations.
Build internal add-ons to streamline organizational workflows and integrate with third-party APIs.

Getting started

Admins:

If you already have Apps Script enabled: No action is required. Your organization will automatically benefit from these new core service protections and technical support.
If you previously restricted Apps Script: If you turned Apps Script off due to compliance, security, or support concerns, you can now enable the service to provide secure, custom automation for your users. Visit the Help Center to learn how to manage Apps Script access for your organization.

End users: No action is required. Visit the Help Center to learn more about getting started with Apps Script.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Available now

Availability

Apps Script is now available as a core service for all Google Workspace customers

Resources

Google Workspace Developer Documentation: Apps Script
Google Workspace Admin Help: Turn Apps Script on or off for users

Join Google Meet calls from Safari on iOS devices

2026-06-23T08:53:32.441-07:00

Prior to this update, iOS users without the Gmail or Meet apps were unable to participate in Google Meet sessions on their mobile devices. Now, iOS mobile device users can join meetings directly through Safari, without needing to install an app. The process is now seamless; individuals without a Google account can simply provide their name to request entry into the call.

In this animation, an iPhone user has received a link to join a Meet call. They click on the link and immediately join via their Safari browser.

Getting started

Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
End users: If an iOS user attempts to join a Google Meet call and doesn’t have the Gmail or Meet app installed, they’ll be automatically directed to join via Safari.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on June 23, 2026

Availability

Available to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google accounts

Enhanced security monitoring with expanded Admin password reset alerts

2026-06-23T07:29:50.074-07:00

In Alert Center, we are expanding the existing “Super Admin password reset” alert into a broader Admin password reset alert. Previously, this rule only triggered alerts when a super admin’s password was changed. With this update, the alert will now cover password resets for all administrator roles within your organization.

This update provides admins with better visibility and control over the security of their organization's privileged accounts. Monitoring password changes for all admin roles provide a higher level of oversight to respond more quickly to potential account compromises or unauthorized changes.

This change aligns with security best practices by treating all administrative access with increased vigilance.

Getting started

Admins: This feature will be ON by default and automatically replaces the previous "Super Admin password reset" rule. No action is required to enable the new alert. If you had modified the recipient list for the previous rule, those settings will automatically carry over to the new rule.
End users: There is no end user setting or impact for this feature.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) started on June 22, 2026

Availability

Available to all Google Workspace customers

Resources

Google Workspace Admin Help: View alert details

Troubleshoot formula errors quickly with Gemini in Google Sheets

2026-06-22T09:51:44.224-07:00

We’re excited to introduce a new Gemini in Sheets capability that enables you to diagnose and fix formula errors in one click. When you encounter a formula error, Gemini can analyze the surrounding data structure to help provide an easy-to-understand explanation of the core issue alongside a corrected version of the formula. The functionality seamlessly supports everything from basic arithmetic to highly intricate calculations, simplifying what is traditionally a frustrating and time-consuming debugging process.

Since Gemini is built directly in Sheets, it removes the barrier to writing complex formulas for advanced analysis right where you work. This ensures that both novice users and seasoned data analysts can maintain momentum without having to manually parse error messages or search external forums for solutions.

Getting started

Admins: This feature is available by default if Gemini for Workspace in Sheets is enabled.
End users: You must have Workspace smart features enabled to take advantage of these features. Visit the Help Center to learn more about building and editing spreadsheets with Gemini in Sheets.

Note: Through July 15, 2026, Workspace customers will get promotional access to higher limits for the improved Gemini in Sheets experience, allowing users to experiment with this feature.. Per-user usage limits will apply after July 15; we’ll provide more information in the Help Center in advance of updated usage limits going into effect.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on June 22, 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*

*After July 15, 2026, users with AI Expanded Access licenses will have higher limits on usage of this feature.

Resources

Google Docs Editors Help: Collaborate with Gemini in Google Sheets

Google Workspace Weekly Recap - June 19, 2026

2026-06-19T03:06:13.865-07:00

New discoverable space setting in Google Chat

Previously, spaces were either private (invite-only) or open (anyone in the organization can find and join). Discoverable spaces provide a new option between the two: they appear when users browse for spaces within their organization, but the conversation history and messages remain private until an owner or manager approves a user's request to join. | Learn more.

Carrier Link for Google Voice

Carrier Link allows Workspace customers to easily add phone numbers and calling plans from a certified local carrier, leveraging a pre-configured multi-tenant implementation of SIP Link. | Learn more.

AI note-taking is now available in Google Voice

This powerful new feature records and transcribes calls, summarizes key points, and organizes action items, which are sent via Gmail and stored in the Voice app. | Learn more.

Gemini in Chrome expands to more languages and regions, including Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East

Many of Chrome's latest AI features are rolling out to users in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and more. | Learn more.

Control whether your users can have temporary chats and delete conversations in the Gemini app

We’re introducing two new administrator controls for the Gemini app (gemini.google.com) that allow end users to manage their own chat activity. Admins can now configure whether users can use temporary chats and delete their conversation history. | Learn more.

Create longer Veo videos and generate multiple at once in Google Vids

These updates provide all Vids users with the ability to create longer videos with consistent characters and generate multiple videos in parallel, enabling you to bring your vision to life faster than ever before. | Learn more.

Enhanced AI avatar features and capabilities in Google Vids

We’re excited to announce expanded language support, a new collection of avatar defaults, and the ability to direct your custom avatars to take action in any generated video. | Learn more.

Custom event colors in Google Calendar

Going forward, users are offered an expanded color palette so they can personalize events and visually organize their calendar with ease, giving each user access to up to 200 custom colors for individual events via both the native web and mobile apps as well as the Calendar API. | Learn more.

Make Gemini more helpful and relevant to your teaching goals with the Google Classroom app in Gemini

Improved management of secondary calendars via the Calendar API

We’re introducing two enhancements to the Calendar API that make it easier for admins to programmatically manage secondary calendars within their organization: a transfer API and a filter for secondary calendars owned by your organization. | Learn more.

Google Meet now available on Android Auto

We’re bringing the power of Google Meet to your vehicle's display with our new integration for Android Auto. This update makes it easy to safely stay connected and handle important meetings hands-free from behind the wheel. | Learn more.

Expanded language support for building and editing spreadsheets with Gemini

We’re now expanding support for these features to 28 additional languages, enabling users who speak Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Italian, French, German, Chinese Simplified, Dutch, Hebrew, Polish, Turkish, Czech, Indonesian, Malay, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Arabic, Finnish, Vietnamese, Ukrainian, Greek, Thai, Romanian, Russian, Catalan, and Hungarian to collaborate natively with Gemini in their preferred language. | 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.

Expanded language support for building and editing spreadsheets with Gemini

2026-06-18T07:59:00.649-07:00

Earlier this year, we introduced new Gemini in Sheets capabilities that allow you to build and edit entire spreadsheets using simple natural language. We’re now expanding support for these features to 28 additional languages, enabling users who speak Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Italian, French, German, Chinese Simplified, Dutch, Hebrew, Polish, Turkish, Czech, Indonesian, Malay, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Arabic, Finnish, Vietnamese, Ukrainian, Greek, Thai, Romanian, Russian, Catalan, and Hungarian to collaborate natively with Gemini in their preferred language.

With this update, users can leverage the full functionality of Gemini to build and edit spreadsheets by issuing prompts in their native language. Whether users are updating budgets, building complex financial models, or conducting data analysis, Gemini leverages Sheets tools—such as tables, pivot tables, charts, and formulas—to execute tasks. This enables global teams to manage data more efficiently, automate workflow execution, and extract valuable cross-document insights without confronting language barriers.

Getting started

Admins: This feature is available by default if Gemini for Workspace in Sheets is enabled. Note that enabling Workspace Intelligence expands the range of supported use cases.
End users: You must have Workspace smart features enabled to take advantage of these features. Eligible users will see the Gemini icon in the Sheets side panel. Simply describe the spreadsheet or edit you need to begin collaborating. Visit the Help Center to learn more about building and editing spreadsheets with Gemini in Sheets.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Available now

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

Note: Through July 15, 2026, Workspace customers get promotional access to higher limits for the improved Gemini in Sheets experience. Per-user usage limits will apply after July 15; we’ll provide more information in the Help Center in advance of updated usage limits going into effect.

Resources

Google Docs Editors Help: Build or edit entire spreadsheets with Gemini in Sheets
Workspace Updates Blog: Build and edit complex spreadsheets with Gemini in Google Sheets

Google Meet now available on Android Auto

2026-06-18T07:43:23.157-07:00

Users can now access Google Meet directly from their car's dashboard. This integration ensures your productivity doesn't pause when you start your engine. From your vehicle's display, you can check your upcoming meeting schedule and join discussions with a single tap.

You also have the flexibility to make and receive direct audio calls, with a convenient History tab that lets you quickly dial colleagues or clients without taking your eyes off the road.

Please note that when you join a meeting or call, your camera is turned off and you won’t see the incoming video content. You’ll hear the audio from the meeting and have audio input access from your microphone.

Getting started

Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
End users: This feature is ON by default for users with the Google Meet app installed on their Android phone. To use it, simply connect your phone to an Android Auto-compatible vehicle. Visit the Help Center to learn more about using Meet on Android Auto.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release domains: Available now
Scheduled Release domains: Rolling out now, with expected completion by June 26, 2026

Availability

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

Resources

Google Meet Help: Use Meet on Android Auto
Google Workspace Updates Blog: Google Meet is now available on CarPlay

Improved management of secondary calendars via the Calendar API

2026-06-18T07:17:37.539-07:00

Transfer API

As previously announced, the new endpoint in the Google Calendar API that allows administrators to programmatically transfer the ownership of secondary calendars is now being rolled out. Its functionality mirrors the data transfer feature currently available in the Admin console by permitting transfers between users in the same organization without sending emails or requiring confirmation from the recipient. Beyond replicating the Admin console functionality, the API provides greater flexibility by allowing administrators to transfer specific, individual secondary calendars.

Organization filter

To help organizations prepare for the upcoming secondary calendar data lifecycle changes, where secondary calendars will follow the lifecycle of their owner, administrators can now programmatically monitor the ownership status of their users' secondary calendars.

A new filtering option will be available in the CalendarList:list API method that restricts results to return only secondary calendars owned by the organization. When combined with the users.list method of the Admin SDK API, administrators can retrieve a comprehensive list of organization-owned secondary calendars across their users' calendar lists. The dataOwner field can then be used to verify current ownership status and make any necessary adjustments.

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 transferring calendars or events in Google Calendar.

Rollout pace

Transfer API

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on June 18, 2026

Organization filter

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

Availability

Available to all Google Workspace customers

Resources

Google Workspace Admin Help: Cancel or transfer events or secondary calendars before deleting a user
Google Calendar Help: Transfer calendars or events in Google Calendar
Workspace Updates Blog: An update on secondary calendar lifecycle changes and a new API

Make Gemini more helpful and relevant to your teaching goals with the Google Classroom app in Gemini

2026-06-17T17:49:17.425-07:00

Educators have shared that AI is especially helpful when it understands the context of their teaching environment, from tailoring resources toward student needs or building on their existing materials. To support this, Gemini will be able to collaborate with your Google Classroom, using context from your classes to inform its outputs or help complete tasks. For example, educators can get insights on student progress and understanding, create resources and differentiated materials based on Classroom context, or get help drafting posts and assignments.

Students 18 and older can similarly use the Classroom app to stay organized across classes – from getting a list of upcoming assignments, creating study plans, doing test practice based on Classroom content, and staying up-to-date on the latest announcements. Based on your prompts, Gemini will identify when context from Google Classroom will be relevant, and use it to inform its outputs. You can also explicitly tell Gemini to use information from your Google Classroom account by typing, “@Classroom” and clicking on the Classroom app when it pops up.

For example, educators can ask Gemini to:

Draft communications: Draft communications and posts based on your Google Classroom information.
Draft differentiated assignments and plans: Help draft and update assignments, and generate timelines and structured plans, based on information and content from your Google Classroom.
Understand student progress and take action: Summarize who has submitted assignments, how students have done on prior assignments, and identify where students might need additional teacher support.
Streamline administrative tasks: Update assignment titles, descriptions, and more across multiple classes in draft mode, make seating charts, and find old assignments.

For more prompts, best practices, and tips validated by trusted testers, take a look at our Classroom app onboarding guide for educators.

Important notes

Gemini Apps can’t perform certain actions in the Google Classroom app, like:

Enter grades or provide private feedback directly
Delete, archive, or directly post assignments or announcements (it can post to draft)
Create rubrics

This feature will be available in English for users designated as over the age of 18 who are using a Google Workspace for Education or Business account in Classroom and Gemini. The Classroom app in Gemini does not currently support data regionalization and your usage data may be stored outside of your designated data region. Data region support for the Classroom app in Gemini is expected later this year.

Getting started

Admins: Access to the Classroom app in Gemini will be ON by default for all Education domains and can be disabled at the OU or group level. For all other domains, access will be OFF by default and can be enabled at the OU or group level. Access can be turned on or off with a new Classroom app setting in the Gemini section of the Admin console. Visit the Help Center to learn more about turning Google apps in Gemini on or off for your organization.

End users: Your admin configuration will determine if you can use the Classroom app in Gemini. Access to the Classroom app in Gemini will be ON by default and can be disabled at the end user level in the connected apps section of the Gemini app settings. Visit the Help Center to learn more about using apps connected to Gemini.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Rolling out now, with expected completion by June 18, 2026

Availability

Available in English to all Google Workspace customers who are 18 years or older and signed in to the Gemini app. Learn more about age restrictions in Gemini app.

Resources

Gemini Apps Help: Ask about your Google Classroom assignments, classes & more in Gemini Apps
Google Workspace Admin Help: Turn apps in Gemini on or off
Gemini Apps Help: Use apps connected to Gemini with a work or school Google Account

Custom event colors in Google Calendar

2026-06-17T09:55:55.175-07:00

Google Calendar is expanding its event coloring options, moving beyond the current limitation of 11 predefined colors for events. Going forward, users are offered an expanded color palette so they can personalize events and visually organize their calendar with ease, giving each user access to up to 200 custom colors for individual events via both the native web and mobile apps as well as the Calendar API. This fulfills a long-standing feature request from both business and personal users for more customizable options.

Users will be able to select from 24 default colors. On Calendar on the web (or via API), users can define additional colors by using a full RGB color picker.

Getting started

Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
End users: This feature will be ON by default and can be customized by the user. Visit the Help Center to learn more.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on June 17, 2026
Scheduled Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on June 29, 2026

Availability

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

Resources

Google Help: Use labels to track calendar entries

Enhanced AI avatar features and capabilities in Google Vids

2026-06-17T07:04:27.259-07:00

With the integration of Gemini 3.1 Flash Text-To-Speech (TTS) and the latest capabilities in Veo 3.1, AI avatars in Google Vids have become more realistic and expressive than ever. We’re excited to announce expanded language support, a new collection of avatar defaults, and the ability to direct your custom avatars to take action in any generated video.

Expanded preset avatars with more expressive speaking

Samples of new default avatars

We’ve expanded avatar options from 23 to 53 default presets, spanning photorealistic, 3D cartoon, and graphic novel styles. This broader gallery includes avatars like Sofia, Jack, Charlie, Finley, and Eleanor, all powered by Gemini Audio to speak with greater degrees of expression, realism, and conversational tones.

Expanded speaker support to 24 languages

Full list of language support in Google Vids UI

We’ve added support for 16 new languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Arabic, Indonesian, Russian, Dutch, Polish, Thai, Turkish, Vietnamese, Romanian, and Ukrainian. These languages join our existing set—English, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, French, Italian, and German—bringing the total to 24 supported languages for AI avatar and voiceovers.

Create custom avatars with the latest Gemini voice model

User experience of assigning new voices to custom avatars

With custom avatars in Vids, you can design your avatar using Nano Banana Pro. Starting today, you can choose from 30+ voices powered by Gemini Audio that offer increased expression, language support, and steering control over how they speak.

Direct your custom avatars to take action in addition to speaking

Generated sample of a directed custom avatar

Previously, users could only direct default avatars. Now, you can add custom avatars as an ingredient in generated video clips, unlocking new ways to have your customized spokesperson tell your story. Every generation preserves your custom avatar's appearance and voice, ensuring your customizations are preserved throughout new generations.

Control custom actions: Instruct your avatar to walk, talk, and use objects simply by typing a text prompt describing their actions.
Use image references: Upload additional images to direct your avatar in customized locations or with branded logos.

Getting started

Admins: There is no admin control for these features.
End users: Visit the Help Center to learn more about using AI avatars in Vids.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Full rollout (1–3 days for feature visibility) starting on June 17, 2026

Availability

Business: Business Starter, Standard, and Plus
Enterprise: Enterprise Starter, Standard, and Plus
Education: Education Plus
Consumer: All users with personal Google accounts, including Google AI Pro and Ultra
Other Editions: Enterprise Essentials, and Enterprise Essentials Plus; Nonprofits; Individual
Education Add-ons: Teaching and Learning; Google AI Pro for Education
Other Add-ons: AI Expanded Access*

*Users with AI Expanded Access add-on licenses have higher limits on usage of AI avatars in Vids.

Resources

Google Docs Editors Help: Use AI avatars in Google Vids

Create longer Veo videos and generate multiple at once in Google Vids

2026-06-17T07:02:33.632-07:00

Starting today, we’re introducing powerful new ways to create and iterate on video content in Google Vids using Veo. These updates provide all Vids users with the ability to create longer videos with consistent characters and generate multiple videos in parallel, enabling you to bring your vision to life faster than ever before.

Longer Veo videos: You can now extend existing video clips using Veo to create longer, more immersive content while ensuring perfect storytelling continuity across your scenes.
Generate multiple clips at once: Increase your productivity by kicking off multiple video generation requests at once, allowing you to explore different styles and prompts simultaneously to save time.

Extend video clips using Veo

Getting started

Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
End users: Visit the Help Center to learn more about using AI to generate video clips in Vids.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Full rollout (1–3 days for feature visibility) starting on June 17, 2026

Availability

Business: Business Starter, Standard, and Plus
Enterprise: Enterprise Starter, Standard, and Plus
Education: Education Plus
Consumer: All users with personal Google accounts, including Google AI Pro and Ultra
Other Editions: Enterprise Essentials, and Enterprise Essentials Plus; Nonprofits; Individual
Education Add-ons: Teaching and Learning; Google AI Pro for Education
Other Add-ons: AI Expanded Access*

*Users with AI Expanded Access add-on licenses have higher limits on video generation using Veo in Vids.

Resources

Google Docs Editors Help: Use AI to generate video clips in Google Vids

Control whether your users can have temporary chats and delete conversations in the Gemini app

2026-06-16T14:02:46.349-07:00

We’re introducing two new administrator controls for the Gemini app (gemini.google.com) that allow end users to manage their own chat activity. Admins can now configure whether users can use temporary chats and delete their conversation history.

Temporary chats allows users to have conversations that are not saved to their history.
Conversation deletion allows users to delete individual chats or their entire chat history.

These settings give organizations greater flexibility in managing data while empowering users to control their Gemini app experience.

Please note: If your organization uses Google Vault, Vault retention rules will always be honored if they are set up.

Getting started

Admins: These features will be ON by default and can be disabled at the domain, OU, or group level. Visit the Help Center to learn more.
End users: If enabled by your administrator, you can start a temporary chat or delete a chat directly within the Gemini app interface.

Rollout pace

Admin controls

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Full rollout (5-7 days for feature visibility) started on June 15, 2026

End-user visibility

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Full rollout (5-7 days for feature visibility) starting on June 21, 2026

Availability

Available to all Google Workspace customers

Resources

Google Workspace Admin Help: Enable Gemini temporary chats in the Gemini App
Gemini Apps Help: Start a temporary chat
Gemini Apps Help: Delete a chat from pinned & recent chats
Workspace Updates Blog: Google Vault now supports retention rules and litigation holds for Gemini app

Gemini in Chrome expands to more languages and regions, including Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East

2026-06-16T12:16:38.087-07:00

Many of Chrome's latest AI features are rolling out to users in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and more.

Gemini in Chrome empowers business and education users with AI tools that integrate seamlessly into their daily browsing workflows while maintaining strict data governance. It’s also available to users with personal Google accounts who can access the Gemini app.

Gemini in Chrome allows users to:

Get answers and insights: Summarize articles, clarify complex concepts, or find specific information based on the context of open tabs.
Generate content: Draft emails and social media posts, or create images directly in the browser.
Go live: Engage in two-way voice conversations with Gemini Live to brainstorm ideas or prepare for meetings.

Getting started

Admins: This feature is ON by default unless you’ve already disabled the Gemini app service setting or the Chrome Gemini setting. The feature can be turned on or off at the domain, OU, or group level. Refer to the Help Center or our previous announcement for information on the terms of service and privacy considerations for the feature.
End users: To access Gemini in Chrome, click the Gemini icon at the top of your browser. You must meet the criteria listed here. Learn more about using Gemini in Chrome here.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) started on June 10, 2026

Availability

Available to all Google Workspace plans, Workspace Individual subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts on ChromeOS, MacOS and Windows devices

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

Google Workspace Admin Help: Generative AI in Google Workspace Privacy Hub

AI note-taking is now available in Google Voice

2026-06-16T10:38:30.966-07:00

“Take notes for me” is available in Google Voice for your phone calls. This powerful new feature records and transcribes calls, summarizes key points, and organizes action items, which are sent via Gmail and stored in the Voice app. This built-in tool eliminates manual note-taking, ensures critical details are never lost, and drives a highly professional customer experience.

This feature is available for new Voice users by default and requires manual enablement for existing Voice users. Admins can easily turn it on in the admin console at the domain, OU, or group level. Once turned on, eligible users will see the “Record” button become a “Notes” button during calls.

When you tap "Notes" during a Voice call, your conversation will be recorded and transcribed, while Gemini captures notes. When you hang up, you'll get an email with your notes in the body of the email. You can then find the transcript, audio recording, and notes saved right inside the Voice app alongside call details.

Privacy, ownership, and consent

Post-call notes and transcriptions are strictly accessible only to the individual who initiated the AI capture. If multiple people start it, everyone gets their own separate artifact.
An audio disclosure ("This call is being recorded and captured by AI") ensures all participants are fully informed the moment the feature is activated. Admins are able to customize the consent in the admin console. Admins can also customize the consent language to align with their company's standards.

Note that this feature is only available in English at this time.

Getting started

Admins: This feature is OFF by default for existing Google Voice customers and can be enabled at the domain, OU, or group level. It is available by default for new Voice customers and can be turned off at any time. Visit the Help Center to learn more about letting Google Voice take AI notes for your users.
End users: End users need to turn on Workspace Smart Feature Consent in the account settings to gain access. Visit the Help Center to learn more about Take notes for me in Google Voice.

Rollout pace

Rapid and Scheduled Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on June 16, 2026

Availability

Available to all Google Workspace customers with Voice Standard and Voice Premier add-ons, as well as customers with Voice Standard standalone plans

Resources

Google Workspace Admin Help: Let Google Voice take AI notes for my users
Google Voice Help: Take notes for me in Google Voice

New discoverable space setting in Google Chat

2026-06-16T07:09:16.958-07:00

Google Chat is expanding how users can find and join spaces by adding a third access option called "Discoverable."

This update helps organization leaders and community managers build groups that are easy to find without sacrificing data privacy. For instance, this setup is ideal for employee resource groups, specialized internal committees, or project teams that want to maintain an organization-facing presence but require membership vetting before sharing ongoing discussions.

Space settings showing three access types

Additionally, for customers that allow sharing spaces with multiple groups of users, advanced settings can be used to mix and match different groups of users for who can find and join the space.

Note: Space access types are only in space settings for now, but we will also extend them to space creation in the future.

Getting started

Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
End users: Space owners and managers can update this option by navigating to their existing space settings. Visit the Help Center to learn more about changing space access levels.

Rollout pace

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

API and mobile support will follow within the next month. Stay tuned to API release notes.

Availability

Available to all Google Workspace customers

Resources

Google Workspace Admin Help: Optimize spaces for your organization
Google Chat Help: Manage space settings
Google Chat Help: Change the space access level

Carrier Link for Google Voice

2026-06-15T08:24:16.091-07:00

Carrier Link allows Workspace customers to easily add phone numbers and calling plans from a certified local carrier, leveraging a pre-configured multi-tenant implementation of SIP Link.

This simplifies the process of setting up a cloud phone system, allowing customers to make and receive calls with payment handled by their local carrier and minimal configuration. Carrier Link is especially helpful for small businesses that want a reliable connection without the hassle of setting up their own hardware.

We are launching this feature in 20 countries with our Carrier Link partners, Tata Communications and Telefonica Global Solutions, who have collaborated with Google Voice to offer services via alternative carriers.

Getting started

Admins: Contact one of our Carrier Link partners to get started. They will provision the SIP Link licenses and phone numbers, which you can then assign to users, desk phones, auto-attendants, and ring groups. Visit the Help Center to learn more about Carrier Link requirements.
End users: There is no end user action required.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) June 15, 2026

Availability

Available to Workspace customers with SIP Link Standard and Premier subscriptions

Resources

Google Workspace Admin Help: How Carrier Link works
Google Workspace Admin Help: Set up Google Voice
Google Workspace Admin Help: Manage Carrier Link Number
Google Workspace Admin Help: Set up Voice desk phones for your organization
Google Workspace Admin Help: Set up an automated attendant
Google Workspace Admin Help: Set up ring groups
Google Workspace Updates Blog: Use SIP Link to link phone numbers from local carriers to Google Voice

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - June 12, 2026

2026-06-12T12:30:58.082-07:00

Request lightweight document alignment with approvals in Google Drive

Google Drive is introducing alignment approvals, a lightweight mechanism that allows teams to request and record document sign-offs without file changes resetting the approval flow. When a document is in a partially approved state, collaborators can continue making edits without resetting any recorded approver decisions. | Learn more about how to request lightweight document alignment with approvals in Google Drive.

Convert rubric files and images into Google Classroom rubrics with help from Gemini

With this launch, rubric conversion will be controlled by the Gemini in Classroom setting in the Admin console. | Learn more about how to convert rubric files and images into Google Classroom rubrics with help from Gemini.

Introducing the Workspace Policy API mutate endpoints for DLP

With our latest update, we are introducing mutate endpoints (Create, Update, Delete) alongside existing read-only capabilities (Get, List) for data loss prevention (DLP) rules and detectors. This allows super admins to programmatically manage and fully automate the entire lifecycle of their DLP policies, from initial creation to real-time activation and deactivation. | Learn more about the Workspace Policy API mutate endpoints for DLP.

Google Meet now supports sending 1080p HD video from ChromeOS meeting room hardware

We previously launched support for sending full HD video (1080p) in Meet on the web, and we’re now extending that capability to Google Meet room hardware based on ChromeOS. | Learn more about Google Meet now supports sending 1080p HD video from ChromeOS meeting room hardware.

Google Vault now supports retention rules and litigation holds for Gemini app

Google Vault now supports retention rules and litigation holds for the Gemini app on web and mobile. Previously, administrators were able to use Vault to search Gemini app conversations and export those search results. | Learn more about Google Vault now supports retention rules and litigation holds for Gemini app.

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 Vault now supports retention rules and litigation holds for Gemini app

2026-06-11T11:10:23.307-07:00

Google Vault now supports retention rules and litigation holds for the Gemini app on web and mobile. Previously, administrators were able to use Vault to search Gemini app conversations and export those search results. With this update, administrators can now also create, update, and delete the following for the Gemini app:

Default retention rules: Set default retention rules for the Gemini app for a finite or indefinite retention period.
Custom retention rules: Create custom retention rules for the Gemini app by organizational unit (OU) or the entire domain for a finite or indefinite retention period.
Litigation holds: Place holds on the Gemini app data for a specific OU or a list of users.

Google Vault is an eDiscovery and information governance tool for Google Workspace that enables customers to retain, hold, search, and export users’ Google Workspace data. With this update, customers can expand their regulatory and legal eDiscovery management to include retention and holds for the Gemini app, making it easier to comply with data obligations from a central tool.

Additional details

Application scope: This update applies specifically to the Gemini app (on web and mobile) and is not applicable to Gemini in Google Workspace features integrated into other apps (such as "Help me write" in Gmail or Docs), as those specific interactions are not retained in the same manner.
Policy precedence: Vault retention rules and holds will always take precedence over Admin console settings, user deletion settings, or user activity settings.

Example: If a user deletes a conversation or turns off their activity setting, but an active Vault hold requires retention, the data is hidden from the user but remains fully retained and visible to Vault administrators.

API support: Support for Vault API users will be available in the coming weeks.

Getting started

Admins: Visit the Help Center to learn more about using Vault to search the Gemini app, as well as supported services and data types. If active, Vault retention rules and holds will take precedence over any other Admin Console setting or user setting.
End users: There is no end-user setting for this feature.

Rollout pace

Rapid and Scheduled Release domains: Available now

Availability

Business: Business Plus
Other Editions: Frontline Standard and Plus; Enterprise Essentials Plus
Enterprise: Enterprise Standard and Plus
Education: Education Fundamentals, Standard and Plus
Other Add-ons: Vault

Resources

Google Workspace Updates: Google Vault now supports the Gemini app
Google Workspace Updates: Gemini app reporting now available for all Google Workspace for Education customers
Google Vault Help: Supported services & data types
Google Vault Help: Use Vault to search Gemini app

Google Meet now supports sending 1080p HD video from ChromeOS meeting room hardware

2026-06-10T11:34:44.083-07:00

We previously launched support for sending full HD video (1080p) in Meet on the web, and we’re now extending that capability to Google Meet room hardware based on ChromeOS.

Google Meet will use full HD when the additional bandwidth is needed for sharp video from the room, such as:

On large screens: When others in the call are viewing the room on large monitors or TVs with a layout that makes 1080p necessary, such as full-screen views in Spotlight mode, 1:1 calls or dual-screen rooms.
When someone pins your video: If a person in the meeting "pins" the room, Meet will send the highest available quality.
When the meeting is being recorded: Recorded meetings use full HD from the room for the saved meeting video.

Full HD is available from devices that use a high-resolution camera and can handle the additional processing over a fast, stable internet connection. Meet will continue to automatically adjust video quality downwards if network constraints are detected to ensure a smooth meeting experience.

Getting started

Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
End users: There is no end user setting for this feature; the upgrade happens seamlessly in the background when conditions are met.

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 Help: Learn how to view people in Google Meet
Google Meet Help: Pin or mute Google Meet participants
Google Meet hardware Help: Adjust your view of meeting participants in a Meet hardware room
Google Meet hardware Help: Google Meet hardware certification program for ChromeOS peripherals & devices
Google Workspace Admin Help: Prepare your network for Meet meetings & live streams
Google Workspace Updates Blog: Google Meet now supports high definition video for meeting recording and devices

Introducing the Workspace Policy API mutate endpoints for DLP

2026-06-08T12:35:20.291-07:00

The Workspace Policy API provides a centralized, comprehensive view of your security settings, eliminating the need to navigate to numerous pages in the Admin console.

Note this is an API-only launch for capabilities currently supported in the Admin console.

About DLP

DLP lets Workspace admins control external file sharing to prevent sensitive information leaks. It scans files for violations, triggering incidents and protective actions like content blocking.

How DLP works:

Admins define rules for sensitive content across Drive, Gmail, Chat, and Chrome.
DLP scans content for DLP rule violations that trigger DLP incidents.
DLP enforces the rules you defined and violations trigger actions, such as alerts.
Admins are alerted for DLP rule violations.

Summary of capabilities supported by mutate endpoints for DLP

Getting started

Admins: You must be a super admin to use the Policy API. See our developer documentation to learn more about the Policy API. You can also use GAM, an open source tool for managing Workspace, which now supports the Policy API.
End users: This is an admin-only capability.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Available now

Availability

Available to all Google Workspace customers and Workspace Individual subscribers

Resources

Google Cloud Identity Help: Policy API Overview
Google Cloud Identity Help: REST Resource: policies
Google Cloud Identity Help: Setting up the Policy API
Google Cloud Identity Help: Listing and getting policies
Google Cloud Identity Help: Creating, patching, and deleting policies
Google Workspace Updates Blog: The Policy API is now generally available with support for auditing more security features

Convert rubric files and images into Google Classroom rubrics with help from Gemini

2026-06-08T09:41:58.928-07:00

Building on our October launch, Gemini in Google Classroom can now help educators more easily convert rubric files and images into Google Classroom rubrics, right within the assignment creation workflow. Educators can now upload more file types, such as .jpeg and .png files. For example, by uploading a photo of a physical rubric or using existing files, Gemini in Classroom can help educators quickly generate structured, interactive rubrics within the Classroom interface. They can then make edits to the converted rubric before saving it. This Gemini-powered automation reduces manual data entry and helps educators maintain consistent grading standards across their assignments.

With this launch, rubric conversion will be controlled by the Gemini in Classroom setting in the Admin console. If Gemini in Classroom is disabled for your organization, you’ll no longer be able to convert rubrics from documents or images.

This feature is only available in English for users over age 18.

Getting started

Admins: This feature will be available by default if Gemini in Classroom is enabled. Visit the Help Center to learn more about managing access to Gemini in Classroom.
End users: Visit the Help Center to learn more about creating and reusing rubrics for an assignment.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Full rollout (1–3 days for feature visibility) starting on June 8, 2026

Availability

Education: Education Fundamentals, Standard, and Plus

Resources

Google Help: Create or reuse a rubric for an assignment
Google Workspace Updates Blog: Educators can now convert rubrics in Google Classroom from Drive or local files with help from Gemini
Keyword: Manage access to Gemini in Classroom

Request lightweight document alignment with approvals in Google Drive

2026-06-08T08:48:10.262-07:00

Alignment approvals can be initiated via a new checkbox within the standard request dialog across web clients.

When checked, "Require all approvers to review the same content" resets pending approvals if the file content changes. This is the default behavior.

When unchecked, changes to the file content don't reset pending approvals.

This feature serves use cases where strict content locking is unnecessary, making it easier for teams to maintain momentum on fluid projects. While an approval remains pending, individual approvers retain the flexibility to manually reset their approved status back to pending if subsequent content edits no longer match their expectations.

This update follows a series of recent enhancements to the Drive approvals ecosystem, including programmatic approval management with the Drive API.

Getting started

Admins: Approval requests are enabled by default and can be disabled at the domain, OU, and group level. There is no admin setting that controls alignment approvals specifically; users can access them if they have access to the broader approval request feature. Visit the Help Center to learn more about managing Drive approvals.
End users: Alignment approvals will be off by default and can be enabled by the user. Visit the Help Center to learn more about getting approvals in Drive.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) started on June 2, 2026
Scheduled Release domains: Full rollout (1–3 days for feature visibility) starting on June 15, 2026

Availability

Business: Business Standard and Plus
Enterprise: Enterprise Starter, Standard, and Plus
Education: Education Plus
Other Editions: Enterprise Essentials and Enterprise Essentials Plus; Nonprofits
Education Add-ons: Teaching and Learning

Resources

Google Workspace Admin Help: Manage approvals
Google Drive Help: Get approvals on files in Google Drive
Google Workspace Developer Documentation: Manage approvals

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - June 5, 2026

2026-06-05T13:51:12.438-07:00

Organize My Files in Drive now generally available

In October 2025, we launched a beta for Organize My Files in Drive. This feature is now generally available and has started rolling out to eligible Google Workspace and Google AI plans. | Learn more about how Organize My Files in Drive is now generally available.

Introducing the ability to loop over a list of items in Workspace Studio

We are introducing the ability to loop over a list of items in Google Workspace Studio flows, bringing more power and flexibility to your everyday workflows. | Learn more about the ability to loop over a list of items in Workspace Studio.

Enhanced data protection for managed third-party apps

With this release, users are now able to maintain efficient workflows and securely move data between corporate Workspace accounts and other authorized, managed third-party applications without being blocked. | Learn more about enhanced data protection for managed third-party apps.

Quickly scan multiple pages in Google Drive on Android

Tired of scanning one page at a time? With the new Document Scanner in Google Drive on Android, you can now scan multiple pages at the same time. | Learn more about how to Quickly scan multiple pages in Google Drive on Android.

New data loss prevention capabilities for file attachments and proximity conditions are generally available

Data loss prevention (DLP) rules for non-Workspace file attachments and associated proximity conditions are now generally available. These new capabilities enable organizations to target files with specific parameters, such as blocking the sharing of sensitive file formats or identifying files that contain specific strings in their titles. | Learn more about the new data loss prevention capabilities for file attachments and proximity conditions are generally available.

Data loss prevention policies for Google Calendar now available in GA

Data loss prevention (DLP) for Google Calendar is now generally available to protect sensitive information shared within event details. | Learn more about data loss prevention policies for Google Calendar now available in GA.

Gmail as a source in Ask Gemini in Drive now generally available

Gmail sources in Ask Gemini in Drive is now generally available and has started rolling out to eligible Google Workspace and Google AI plans. Ask Gemini in Drive offers a dedicated, immersive workspace designed for deep focus. Users can engage in high-context, multi-turn conversations to efficiently explore and understand content. | Learn more about Gmail as a source in Ask Gemini in Drive now generally available.

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