What you need to know

• Google I/O 2026 is underway, and Google's announcing a huge selection of Workspace updates.
• Gmail Live, Docs Live, and voice capabilities in Keep are on the way, meaning users can talk to the AI to create documents or to find items in their email.
• Google Pics is a new app headed for Workspace, which leans on its Nano Banana model to give users "precise" control over changes in their AI-created images.

It's I.O 2026, and Google's hailstorm of features dips into the Workspace ecosystem to detail the many ways its AI will try to help.

Right off the bat, Google states that Gemini Spark, its newest personal AI agent, is headed to Workspace users' devices. Whether you're a Google AI or Workspace business customer, Gemini Spark is a digital assistant that can complete actions for you—true to the "agentic AI" name. The company teases that the AI in Workspace apps can write emails for you or add events to your calendar. Additionally, Workspace business users can expect Gemini Spark in the Gemini app "in the coming weeks."

Outside of this, voice capabilities are coming to Gmail. This is something users are accustomed to, due to Gemini on Android. Google is taking this to another level, stating "Gmail Live" is on its way. Users can query Gmail Live about their flight's gate number and anything else that might matter to them. Similarly, "Docs Live" is the Google Docs version, capable of listening to you speak and organizing your thoughts into a neatly arranged file.

With added permissions, Docs Live can leverage information in Gmail, Drive, Chat, and web searches to help flesh out your document. Google Keep won't miss out on these voice capabilities, either. The post says users can ramble on, and Keep will work "in the background" to turn those ramblings into neat lists.

Voice capabilities in Gmail, Docs, and Keep are rolling out for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers this summer, as well as "in preview" for Workspace Business.

Google Pics makes its debut

What's an I/O announcement without a brand new app? For users who can't get enough of Google's Nano Banana AI image generator, Google Pics might be the app they're looking for. The company states, "Creating with AI should feel like creative direction, not a roll of the dice." In Google Pics, users will find "creative controls" to help guide the AI, so it generates what they're thinking of.

After generating, users can alter specific elements of the image. Users will find removal tools, resizing options, and transformation tools. Changing one aspect of the generated won't affect another (unless you selected it and wanted it to change). Text also becomes a little more flexible, as users can select any generated text and translate it into a different language or change the font.

Google Pics isn't just some standalone app. This will be fully integrated with Workspace, so you can edit images in Slides or Docs with the same fluidity as in the main Pics app.

You won't have to wait long, as Google Pics launches today (May 19) for a limited number of Trusted Testers. However, later this summer, Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers can expect it to arrive, leaving Workspace Business users to see it "in preview."

A little for AI Inbox

You might remember Google's official launch of Gmail's AI Inbox early in April. This feature was made to highlight the important messages that came through, amidst the craze and clutter of our email. Items such as bills, appointments, and more get highlighted, but users can ask the AI to surface something they're looking for via a written query.

At I/O, Google announced new updates for the AI Inbox. Rolling out now are "personalized drafts." If there's a pressing message in your inbox that's time sensitive, AI Inbox will inform you and have a generated "contextual draft" beforehand to help. Users can review this AI message, and if they're happy, they can send it. If an email from a client or co-worker involves a file, users won't need to hop into the app on their own. When AI Inbox provides its overview, it'll provide a link to that file, so you're into things quicker.

Staying calm and clear is the name of the game, as users can mark tasks as "done." You can also dismiss an unhelpful suggestion from the AI or mark emails "in a given topic" as read, so it's out of mind.

Now, Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers are getting in on AI Inbox in the U.S. today (May 19).

Android Central's Take

Personally, the only aspect of this that I'd be most interested in is Google's AI Inbox. I think the usability there is pretty high, as the feature serves as a roundup of my busy email. It's good to see what's important in a semi-clean and clear way. Now, time sensitive emails get a little more love, since the AI can highlight those documents quickly. Saving time just means work gets done that much faster.

What you need to know

• Google's giving some Workspace Intelligence this week, as it detailed the agentic AI future for users during Cloud Next 2026.
• Workspace Intelligence is integrated into every app, understanding what matters to you, so it can produce it for you via automation.
• Docs, Slides, Sheets, and Chat all receive Gemini, Workspace Intelligence-infused updates for file creation and AI assistance.

Workspace gets businesses (big and small) through their days, and now Google is detailing major AI-focused updates to make their time even easier.

Amid Google's Cloud Next 2026 event, the company debuted Workspace Intelligence as part of its agentic push to help users work smarter. According to Google, this new approach aims to deliver "real-time understanding" to your apps by merging your projects into an automated process. It reports that Workspace Intelligence understands the relationships between your apps, projects, collaborators, and more.

This understanding is done via intelligence gathering. Google says Workspace Intelligence will "gather the information you need" from Gmail, Docs, Slides, and more, so when you're working on your project, you have everything. "Situational Awareness" leans on Gemini to know "what's important to you." For this, you can think of dates, emails, files, and the like.

The personalization aspect of this comes into play, as the agentic AI learns who you are and how you speak, even understanding your workstyle and formatting preferences. While Workspace Intelligence is the huge umbrella that's tying all of its apps together, Google announced a few updates for those apps.

Agentic AI for the working future

Updates for the big three—that is Docs, Slides, and Sheets—bring Gemini up a few notches, as well as Workspace Intelligence. For Google Docs, Gemini's involvement can create infographics using your data, make edits based on other comments, and "edit multiple images," thanks to the new agentic AI upgrade. Gemini in Sheets can scour your emails, documents, chats, and web info to "visualize all of your data."

Workspace Intelligence will take into account your files and your company's visual style to create presentations in Slides. Google Chat receives "Ask Gemini in Chat," a unified experience that is said to merge the AI with every chat you have with colleagues and partners. If you need assistance, Google says you can query the AI, and its results will appear in chat once it's compiled.

What's more, Ask Gemini in Chat can provide a daily brief of unread messages and "urgent action items," generate new Docs or Slides, schedule meetings, and find files for you. The company then highlights the new AI Inbox for Gmail, which launched early in April. This new inbox makes sure you're privy to important emails about upcoming bill payments, appointments, and messages from "priority" contacts.

After testing, AI Inbox is here and ready to roll, but only if you're interested. Google is offering this feature at $250 per month for Google AI Ultra subscribers in the U.S.

Android Central's Take

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: this is where Google's AI truly shines. The usefulness of Gemini merging with Workspace Intelligence is when you start seeing a true work assistant. For larger companies and people tasked with keeping an eye on so many things and working on projects, this will likely be a boon to them. I'm not sure how I feel about the AI trying to generate something in my voice or my company's image. That just sounds like a recipe for disaster, but everything else? I'm with it.

What you need to know

• Google announced that it's rolling out support for Workspace apps in the Home app.
• Beginning this week, users can set up the latest Nest devices, invite others to their home in the app for device control, and more.
• Google Home's recent updates have focused on Gemini by quickening its response times and helping its understand of the user's commands.

Users have been vocal enough that Google has announced it's rolling out support for Workspace accounts in its smart home app.

Google claims that this highly requested feature should give Workspace account users more "flexibility" in the Home app. There are a few new goodies users will unpack in this update that's rolling out today (Apr 2). For one, Workspace account users can now set up the company's latest Nest devices, like the 4th-gen Learning Thermostat and the Nest Doorbell 3rd-gen, in the app.

Another key part of this patch is Google's expanded home sharing. This was a feature Workspace users were restricted from. Beginning this week, those users can now "invite others to your home or accept invitations to join existing homes." This is primarily used for those wanting to invite others into a home to grant access to their smart devices. If you're just getting started with this, Google has some details that walk you through it.

Nest Account migrations reach Workspace users, too. Any account from 2019 or before can be swapped over to Google by linking it to your preferred Workspace account. While one restriction gets lifted, Google says there are two more in place. Workspace users in the Home app cannot access the early access "Gemini for Home" program, nor will they find "select Google Assistant and personal results features."

Refining the home

There are some other factors to consider, such as whether or not your Workspace account can access Google Home app features. The post says if you're encountering issues, then you should speak to your administrator.

This update for Workspace support couldn't come at a better time. Google Home recently rolled out two updates. One patch this week focused on Gemini; specifically, it helped the AI feel less robotic and more natural. Google also worked on better understanding for Gemini, meaning users won't need to use exact terms when giving it a task. Gemini should also better understand the difference between household items, like a lamp and a regular light.

The update before that quickened Gemini's response times. It was pretty obvious that Gemini could lag between giving it a task and its completion. Google says the AI's responses have sped up by ~30% to ~40%.

Android Central's Take

It was probably quite the headache for Workspace users when they needed to constantly switch accounts for the Home app. I get that sense even more after Google itself points out how much of a "highly-requested" feature it was. So, good on them. Lately, the company's been focused on improving its AI in Home, which we knew was coming. Ever since Gemini for Home was announced, it was clear that Google saw its smart home devices as the next frontier for it. In terms of usefulness, it seems to be getting there, slowly but surely.

Google is constantly churning out experimental AI features in Google Labs, including CC, an AI productivity agent announced last month. It's perhaps the most intriguing entry for Google Workspace users into the world of what is known as agentic artificial intelligence. This emerging technology uses AI agents that can take actions independently on your behalf to save you time and effort.

Google's CC optionally integrates with Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive, and the web to give you curated daily briefings. This early Google Labs experiment opened up to personal Google accounts in the U.S. and Canada in December, and users can sign up for the waitlist here. Availability is opening for Google AI subscribers first, starting with users on the Ultra plan.

While some gained access to CC within hours of joining the waitlist, I only received access over the weekend on a personal Google AI Pro account. It's unclear how many people Google is letting try CC at a time, but if you're an AI Pro subscriber like me who joined the waitlist, check for an introductory email from CC. Now that I've been using CC for a few days, it's clear that it might be the one AI tool to keep me on track.

The signup process for the experiment takes two steps: enabling Smart Settings in your Google Workspace settings and joining the waitlist on the Google Labs site. Once you gain access, you'll be able to chat with CC over email and receive daily reports. Here's how the experimental productivity agent could help streamline your workflows.

What it's like to have CC manage your inbox

Your introduction to CC will likely start with the productivity agent proving how well it knows your inbox. In my case, CC started with the following standard welcome message:

Then, it veered into the realm of personal by saying "I'm already thinking about how you're managing your journalism career..." CC's immediate knowledge of me and the work I do with my Google account was certainly jarring yet impressive. But when you hand over your Gmail, Calendar, and Drive data to an AI agent, that's probably to be expected.

CC is both an autonomous helper and an on-demand chatbot. Users get a daily briefing that identifies action items, upcoming events, important emails and deals, and more. It's called "Your Day Ahead," and it can be customized to your liking by simply replying to the email with instructions. Alternatively, you can contact CC anytime by emailing the address for the agent, which is available in the following format: [your Google username]+cc@gmail.com.

It sounds like a better alternative to Gemini in Workspace for those that use their email as a do-it-all productivity tool. If you're the kind of person that sends emails to themselves instead of using a note-taking app, or one that uses Gmail as a cloud storage solution, CC will come in handy. It can remember information, summarize it, and search it.

CC has already made it impossible for me to forget the important details by resurfacing them on a daily basis. That includes events and deadlines you might have long forgotten. In its opening act, CC reminded me of a meeting I had set weeks ago, and it became an immediate lifesaver.

The agent includes hotlinks to source material and suggested actions in an effort to predict your next move. Depending on what it summarizes, CC might suggest you reply to a colleague, view a link, or add an event to your Google Calendar. Notably, these links don't seem to work reliably on mobile, and Google notes this is a known issue in the footers of emails from CC.

You can rate an email from CC with a simple thumbs up or down, or reply to it to ask a question, clarify something, or give detailed feedback for next time.

I currently have hundreds of thousands of unread emails across my various email accounts. No, I'm not proud of it. If we're being honest, I probably won't do anything about it anytime soon. That makes CC the perfect virtual personal assistant for me. It surfaces the important details and makes it easy to ignore the promotions and spam, allowing me to take command of my inbox for the first time.

While Google took 2025 to set up the stage for people to care about AI, in 2026, the company needs to harness the momentum and seal the deal. Next year will need to be the year Google makes people care about AI when they’re buying a new phone.

And while it’s not all about AI, it’s going to be what Google needs to rely on to push the needle on smartphones, which seemingly are becoming boring by the year, with nothing to really excite a lot of people.

2026: the year AI becomes ubiquitous and accessible

I’m saying it now, but Google will fail if it takes 20 years to position Gemini as a unified experience that will power AI across all platforms as it did with Google Workspace.

While Google Workspace is probably the most popular and most used office suite, it took the company literally 20 years to have something absolutely flushed out, unified, and perfect to compete with the likes of Microsoft Office.

Granted, Google was smart to offer Docs, Gmail, and many apps right off the bat to be used across different platforms, but it wasn’t until 2016 that the company rebranded these offerings into G Suite, later renaming it to Workspace.

It absolutely can’t do that with Gemini because of the stiff competition out there.

As Android Central contributor Brady Snyder writes, while ChatGPT has better models, more use cases, and superior brand power, Google’s Gemini has shown a strong sense that the tide is turning. Gemini is the only chatbot that consistently gains web traffic, and now that Gemini 3 is available, Google is taking creative steps to meet the outstanding demand.”

In 2026, Google needs, no sorry, HAS TO make Gemini ubiquitous and accessible.

As we begin to see less AI innovation as it finds its place, 2026 will be about convincing people that AI is here to stay and is becoming a more everyday thing.

A new formfactor?

In 2026, I want to see some growth within Google’s hardware strategy. We didn’t see much from the company in 2025 because the focus was setting its hardware up for AI success. But now it’s time to see some change. Dare I say it? We need a Pixel Flip!!!!

While I understand companies have launched a fold because the ROI is far greater for foldable phones than what can be made from the sales of a flip, there’s some merit in reaching a large audience and a flip phone can do that. Flip phones are cute, compact, easy to use, and user-friendly. There is more of a use case scenario for someone to buy a flip phone than a fold.

I also challenge Google to expand its Google Home suite of products. Yes we are getting a new Nest speaker in 2026, and it upgraded the Nest Thermostat in 2024, but I still don’t think Google has figured out unifying it’s smart home experience yet. And with a robust Gemini experience and set up, there’s no reason why Google can’t do something about it.

Guardrails in place need to be strong

As I urge Google to make AI more ubiquitous and accessible, I beg that the company takes the severity of what AI can do to society incredibly seriously. And I know that it is.

This past year showed us that companies are shelling money into the fast production of AI, it is also showing us the dangers that come with the use of AI. Earlier this summer, parents sued Open AI, alleging the company’s ChatGPT contributed to their teen’s suicide.

Stories like this makes my heart ache. Because while I think AI is mind-blowing, it’s in moments like these that I know companies like Google need to set humans up for success rather than failure.

I want to see the world proliferate because of AI, not be defeated. We saw the rise of social media in 2007 and the fall of social media in 2016. I know we are going to hear more disaster stories come out of AI’s follies, but here’s my please to you Google, let’s try to help humankind succeed instead of tearing it apart.

What you need to know

• NotebookLM is rolling out a new feature called Data Tables that organizes key data points from sources into tables.
• These tables can be easily exported to Google Sheets for further data management.
• Data Tables in NotebookLM are now available for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers, but free users are set to get the boost in the "upcoming weeks."

NotebookLM is a handy AI-powered tool that can help you learn, organize data, and study. By uploading source material or discovering suggested content, users can create notebooks in NotebookLM. From there, that source material can be transformed in a variety of ways, like Audio and Video Overviews or flashcards and quizzes. Starting today, there's a new way to organize data in NotebookLM called Data Tables.

Data Tables are "clean, structured tables" that organizes data from your sources into simple visuals. These tables can be exported to Google Sheets for further editing and data management. Data Tables are positioned towards students, knowledge workers, scientific researchers, and general consumers.

Google suggests a few ways to use Data Tables in NotebookLM in the company's blog post announcing the new feature:

• Turn meeting transcripts into a clean table of action items, categorized by owner and priority. Or build a competitor comparison table analyzing pricing and strategies.
• Synthesize clinical trial outcomes across multiple papers to track study years, sample sizes and statistics.
• Prepare for exams with study tables of historical events, organized by date, key figures, and consequences.
• Plan your dream vacation by comparing destinations, best times to visit and estimated costs.

NotebookLM source material could include videos, websites, or long PDF files, for example. This could make it difficult to manually pinpoint and extract data for use in tables. With NotebookLM's new feature, AI will do the hard work for you in creating simple and helpful Data Tables.

Google has been steadily adding new features to NotebookLM. Most recently, it gained Gemini integration and chat history.

Data Tables are rolling out now for Google AI Pro and Ultra users beginning Thursday, Dec. 18. Google says the Data Tables feature will arrive to free users "in the upcoming weeks."

What you need to know

• Google Labs announces a new AI agent in testing called "CC."
• CC is capable of leveraging stored events in Calendar, documents in Drive, and emails from Gmail to create a personalized morning briefing daily.
• Google states users can personalize CC further by emailing the AI with custom requests on what to add.
• CC launches in early access for U.S. and Canadian users; however, Google AI Ultra and paid subscribers are ahead of the pack.

Google is advancing its AI agents this week, as it announces an experiment for Labs that uses your Workspace data for a morning brief.

This Google Labs experiment was announced this morning (Dec 16) through a Keyword post. Google is introducing users to CC, its latest AI agent that it crafted alongside Gemini to leverage data in Workspace apps like Gmail, Calendar, and Drive. According to the company, CC will deliver a briefing that "synthesizes your schedule, key tasks, and updates into one clear summary, so you know what needs to be done next."

All of this is compiled into a daily "Your Day Ahead" overview, which gets "delivered" to your Gmail every morning.

For example, when it comes to reminders, CC will display those in its briefing within the "Top of Mind" category. These are typically tasks that should get done before tackling the day. The AI agent will display additional reminders that are important, but aren't time sensitive for that particular day, under an "FYI" listing. Additionally, CC dives into your Calendar to surface important events that day, including the time, location, and potential duration of the event.

Google states that what CC surfaces is what's "important to you," as it uses what you've set in Calendar, Drive, or received through Gmail. The personalization side of CC is through emailing. Users can email CC, telling the AI agent to add a new event. CC is said to do so accordingly by throwing that event into the Calendar if necessary.

CC Google's AI

Google says users who email CC with custom requests are "teaching it things" about them. Moreover, users can email CC to remember "ideas and todos." Creating an overview isn't everything the AI can do, as Google highlights its ability to prepare email drafts for your morning brief. Similar to events mentioned in the daily brief, CC will offer direct links to your Calendar events "to help you take action quickly."

If interested, Google says users can sign up for its CC waitlist via Labs. Early access starts today (Dec 16) for users 18 and older in the U.S. and Canada. However, Google AI Ultra and paid subscribers get in first.

Google Labs has been busy recently, as it also announced "Disco," an AI-fueled browser that can create mini apps from your tabs. The feature is called GenTabs, which takes information previously given by the AI and turns it into an interactive experience. If you're researching meals to build muscle or adhere to a specific health requirement, Disco's GenTabs can turn that into a comprehensive app that shows what meals to make on specific days.

Users can plan trips with Disco's GenTabs, which can create a map based on the location you're going to with pins about places to eat, visit, and more.

What you need to know

• Google Chat is changing its URL to increase loading times while preserving the same appearance.
• Additionally, Chat now supports schedule sending messages for the first time.
• The Workspace messaging platform adds a Drafts tab as a hub for managing scheduled chats.

For messaging, most Google users turn to the Google Messages. The company also has a specialized messaging client for Workspace teams called Google Chat, though. Starting this week, Google is making two key changes to Chat that'll make the platform quicker and add a long-overdue messaging feature. These changes arrive as part of an extended rollout, according to Google, meaning they might take a few weeks to show up for everyone.

You might not know that the old web URL for Google Chat doesn't follow the typical Google format. Google Chat was originally found on the web at mail.google.com/chat, and it's now moving to chat.google.com. The small tweak might break some Google Chat extensions, so be sure to update your extensions to be compatible with the new URL.

Aside from the URL change giving Google Chat an online home separate from Gmail, the shift brings a big improvement for users. Google says the fresh URL reduces loading time, allowing Google Chat's web client to run faster. Crucially, it doesn't affect the Chat user interface, and bookmarks and links to the old URL will still work.

Separately, Google is adding a schedule send feature to Chat that works similarly to scheduling an email in Gmail. When creating a message in a Chat conversation, you can click the menu beside the send button to open the schedule. From there, you can pick a suggested schedule send time or choose a custom time.

Google Chat will now display a banner above the compose box when you have a scheduled message in a particular conversations. After they've been scheduled, you can manage scheduled messages by opening the new Drafts shortcut in the Chat sidebar. This new area will let Chat users edit, reschedule, or cancel messages.

Notably, you'll only see a Drafts page in the sidebar when you have active scheduled messages.

Both the new Google Chat URL and schedule send support are rolling out now for Workspace users on rapid release domains. As this is an extended rollout, it could take longer than 15 days for the feature to become available. For scheduled release domains, the launch will begin on Jan. 2, 2026 and could take up to 15 days to appear afterward.

What you need to know

• Google announced its major October Workspace Drop for businesses, stating data comprehension, structure, and formatting is easier in Sheets.
• This update rolls out ransomware detection in Drive for desktop users, who will be notified is something is amiss and have their data sync halted.
• Gmail gets improved security, as Google brings end-to-end encrypted emails to the platform.

Google's rolling out another major Workspace update that's entirely by Gemini, so here's the roundup of everything you can expect.

As always, Workspace is Google's primary avenue for businesses, but these new AI features it detailed this week are advancing data comprehension and security. Data in Google Sheets can become a bit much, but Gemini's updates arriving for October aim to improve its format and ensure the app's analytical capabilities are up to par. Google states Sheets can now understand complex and multi-step instructions from users.

As an example, the post highlights Sheets' ability to "delete all archived rows, apply conditional formatting, and add a 'Notes' column" all in a single prompt. Moreover, Gemini advances with "web grounding." Users can now ask the AI to conduct some research on the internet.

The AI can input the information you deserve into your spreadsheet automatically, as well as opening its abilities to more languages, such as Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, French, Italian, and German.

Business security is always an object of discussion, so new AI defenses are rolling in for October. Google says it's bringing in ransomware protections for Drive users on desktop. This runs in real-time, and if the system is triggered, Google says users will have their file sync halted. There will also be a visible notification on your computer, informing you of what's happened, so you can take immediate action.

The post adds that users can restore any corrupted files "in bulk" to a version where the ransomware did not exist.

AI protections hit Gmail

Gmail's also getting in on the AI defenses, as Google rolls out E2EE (end-to-end encrypted) protections. Now, users in Workspace can send "encrypted and confidential" emails to whomever they need to, even if they "use a different email provider or work outside your organization."

Wrapping up the huge October drop are thread summaries for users in Google Chat, as well as "refine me," which corrects any grammar mistakes and more before sending. Speech translation in Meet grab an expansion, bringing in English to German, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Google highlights its video generation update for Flow and the Gemini app, which brought Veo 3.1 to users. Over the base v3 model, Veo 3.1 is said to give users more creative agency with their generated video clips. Additionally, this updated model enhances its sound capabilities, gives users better narrative control, and even touts better "realism" for generated textures.

The Veo 3.1 model is available in Google Vids, Flow, and the Gemini app.

October's drop sort of piggybacks off the one from August. During the dog days of summer, Google brought file summaries to Chat, Video Overviews to NotebookLM, and upgraded the Vids app with Veo 3 (and that's now gone up to v3.1 in just two months).

What you need to know

• Google Meet wants to help you trick or treat your coworkers with a set of Halloween perks.
• AI-powered makeup can give you a "Goth Chic" look, or go as far as turn you into a mummy or zombie — virtually, of course.
• Pre-made virtual backgrounds help you get into the Halloween spirit, or you can generate your own with AI.

Google is rolling out a set of Halloween-inspired features in Google Meet to help users usher in the fall festivities in their virtual meetings. The spooky effects leverage existing Meet features, like virtual backgrounds and AI-powered virtual makeup, to trick or treat your guests. These Halloween visuals are only around for a limited time, so if you want to try them out in your Google Meet calls, you'll need to act fast.

The highlight of Meet's spooky season tools is the AI-powered makeup option. This feature uses AI to add virtual makeup to your face, giving you the look you want on Meet calls without doing it yourself. Typically, there are 12 different makeup styles available in the Appearance tab in the Backgrounds and effects menu. But for Halloween, you'll get an extra "Goth Chic" makeup option.

AI-powered makeup rolled out earlier this month in Google Workspace, joining the Touch-up feature. Both tools use AI smarts to digitally alter your appearance to make yourself look better in Meet calls. They're available on Google Meet for web or on the mobile app for easy access.

If you want to take the AI-powered makeup one step further for Halloween, you can use turn yourself into a mummy or zombie using a limited-time filter. Go to the Filters tab in the Backgrounds and effects menu and you'll see the exclusive options that let you become your favorite Halloween character with a full face of virtual makeup.

Custom backgrounds in Google Meet for spooky season

If you're looking for a basic option, Google Meet also sports pre-created seasonal backgrounds. They'll come in handy if you want something more festive than a basic blur for Halloween. You can also create your own using AI if you appreciate a personal touch.

Halloween effects are live now in Google Meet for a limited time, and they're available to Google Workspace customers, Google AI Pro subscribers, and Google AI Ultra subscribers.

What you need to know

• Google is reportedly testing a few changes for its Docs app on Android, such as implementing better smartphone-friendly placement for the formatting tool.
• The tool could end up in the bottom toolbar, as well as another update for the app's search feature that could bring filters for better file discoverability.
• Google Docs had a major update that brought Gemini to Android users, so they could summarize lengthy files and get their questions answered.

It looks like Google is working on a future update for its Docs app on Android that could greatly improve the user experience.

These supposed changes were spotted by Android Authority in a recent Google Docs app version for Android. There are two major updates Google is reportedly testing, one of which involves a more smartphone-friendly (one-handed) rework. According to the publication, this rework involves the Docs app's formatting tool. Google has been spotted moving this tool down to the bottom of the app's UI, in the toolbar that typically houses the bold, italics, bullet point, and other options.

The post even highlights an alert that Google could deliver once this update arrives, which draws attention to the formatting tool's new home.

The bottom bar is also getting a small, but useful, change. In conjunction with the tipster AssembleDebug, the post states that the toolbar at the bottom of a Doc on Android could be "horizontally scrollable."

Another more noteworthy update spotted in testing concerns new filters in Docs for Android. These filters can be applied to searches in the app, and include filters for file type, people (file owner), and modified (when it was last changed). Filtering your content by type will surface any stored documents, presentations, and spreadsheets.

Bringing all this together is Google's Material 3 Expressive design language, which the tipster states has been spotted in the test. Android's new design language has been slowly making its way into more and more Google apps, so this change isn't too surprising to see being hinted at.

It's unclear when users could see this update drop, as the changes were spotted after an APK teardown of v1.25.381.00.90.

Google gave its Android users some love through a Docs update recently, as Gemini rolled out. Android users got Gemini's intelligence for quick document summaries and the ability for the AI to answer your questions about files. Moreover, Gemini's appearance could help users get that rough draft out quicker by compiling their early thoughts into something they can work with.

Gemini in Google's Workspace apps didn't stop there, as a major AI drop brought personalized suggestions based on your data for Calendar, Gmail, Keep, and more.

What you need to know

• Google services experienced login issues affecting Meet, Gmail, and Drive, with over 6,000 user reports on DownDetector.
• Users encountered '502' error messages as the outage impacted multiple platforms, requiring Google credentials.
• Google confirmed the outage, and services are gradually being restored after engineering interventions.

Google and some of its apps are off to a rough start this morning as several users reported issues with Google Meet, Gmail, Workspace, Drive, and more, which began at around 11 am ET.

DownDetector showed a major spike in user disruptions for Google, Gmail, and other Workspace apps around the same time, with over 6,000 people reporting issues with logging in to Google's app.

According to 9to5Google, a majority of users saw failed login pages on the platform with a “502” error. And this issue was impacting other websites that required users to log in using their Google credentials.

Google has confirmed an outage affecting some of its services on the Workspaces Dashboard and apologizes for the inconvenience. "Between 07:22 and 08:30 PDT, customers experienced login issues to Google services. Our engineering team identified the cause and applied appropriate mitigations by 08:30 PDT (11:30 am ET), and customers should now be able to log in to Google services."

Outage reports on DownDetector also seem to be dwindling, as services are slowly being restored for users. That said, Google says it is closely monitoring the situation. As of now, there is no workaround for the outage; however, things seem to be slowly getting back to normal.

Last week, a similar outage hit Google Maps, causing the platform to load improperly, with only outlines of the local areas showing up without names, impacting its navigation and directions. However, Google was quick to resolve the issue and told Android Central in an email that "Google Maps is back up for those who experienced issues earlier today."

What you need to know

• Google's massive August Workspace drop provides updates that aim to get users caught up to speed quicker with better insights.
• Chat grabs a "summarize this file" feature, which supports multiple types, including Microsoft Office files, while Meet hosts get to choose who gets post-meeting notes.
• NotebookLM picks up Video Overviews, an AI-generated video that's fully narrated with imagery and more, based on your content.
• Google Vids picks up Veo 3 for image-to-video generation capabilities, while the Vids Editor arrives for all consumers at no cost.

Google's Workspace suite of apps is picking up a huge update late in August that's focusing on delivering better information and getting users up to speed faster.

The company's extensive update blog post details everything users will find in Workspace late this month. Insights and getting up to speed are the name of the game this month, and that's all starting with Google Chat and Meet. Where would Google's updates be without Gemini's intelligence, which is reportedly bringing summarization capabilities to the two apps.

The post highlights Gemini's ability to summarize files attached to texts in Chat, like PDFs, Microsoft Office files, text files, and more. Soon, you should notice a "summarize this file" button beneath content sent by others in Chat. Additionally, Meet's "Take Notes with Gemini" gets a new option that lets the host decide who gets a summary of the conversation after it's over.

AI-powered insights are getting a boost in Docs and Forms. For the latter, Gemini can now "summarize form responses" for the creator. The company states its AI will take into account the form's title, description, question, and responses for comprehensive "major themes and takeaways" using response data.

Users on Android and iOS are finally receiving AI-generated in Docs.

NotebookLM's Video Overviews

NotebookLM, Google's intelligent note-taking companion for studying, picked up video overviews. The post states users can use their documents, slides, and charts, funnel them into the app's AI, which will turn them into a narrated video with imagery and more. Google says users can customize and guide NotebookLM, similar to its audio overviews with AI narrators.

Users can tell the AI what the purpose of the video is and who it's for, and what they're most interested in learning about from the content they provided.

Joining this update is a revamp to the NotebookLM Studio panel. This lets users upload multiple audio overviews to a single notebook.

Filling out PDFs digitally just got a whole lot easier with Gemini, too. Google states its latest update in Drive lets users "directly fill out and save PDFs with digital form fields in Drive."

Google Vids says hello to Gen AI

Veo 3, Google's latest image-to-video generation model, is arriving in Vids. Through this, like in other apps, such as the Gemini app, users in Vids can create eight-second clips based on a photo they've uploaded. Users can lean on photography shots, stock photography, and their prompts to create the right video for their needs.

AI Avatars were highlighted in May, around the time of I/O 2025, and those are also getting a small update. Now, creators in Vids can create a script, pick the right avatar, and let that AI creation deliver their message. If you're delivering the message yourself, Google states its "automatic transcript trim" can help you shave away filler words, weird pauses, and more with just a few clicks.

Google announced that its Vids editor is available now "to all consumers" at no cost.

While these two updates for Vids are arriving in "general availability," Google is just too excited, as it "pre-announces" a new upcoming feature. Soon, the post states creators will have access to "sizing formats," creating videos in portrait, landscape, and square formats.

Additionally, if you're just getting started with Vids and you're unsure where to begin, Google's new YouTube series, "Vids on Vids," is there with instructional content to get you going.

What you need to know

• Google posted a Workspace update changelog that details the arrival of Gems in Gmail, Drive, Sheets, and Slides.
• The company has provided a selection of pre-made Gems; however, users can create their own Gem to become an "expert" in whatever material or task they have.
• Recently, Google Classrooms picked up a major AI update that brought Gemini and Gems to teachers and their students.

Gemini continues to upgrade its experience for Google's Workspace users, but this update brings total customization of its services.

Google detailed an update rolling out for Workspace this week that brings its AI Gems to its app ecosystem. The company states the update is placing Gems into Gmail, Drive, Sheets, and Slides. If you're unfamiliar, Gems are a custom version of its AI that you can turn into an "expert" for one specific thing. Google adds that Gems can "minimize repetitive prompting."

Gems are headed for the aforementioned apps via the side panel that also houses Gemini's assistance. Google gives a few examples, stating users can utilize a Gem that "helps with sales interactions that is grounded on information for a specific company." Additionally, users can create a "copywriting Gem" that can create posts or eye-catching taglines specifically for your clientele.

While there is an assortment of pre-made Gems, Google says you can create your own or customize some to better fit your needs. All of your available Gems (custom and pre-made) will appear within the Workspace side panel for supported apps.

Google states Gems can also understand Workspace's "@" function for finding files and more.

Gems make their rounds

There's also a more in-depth explainer for users who are just getting started with Gems to check out.

The update has started rolling out and should take roughly 15 days to complete for Workspace users on Rapid and Schedule domains. If you're a Workspace customer with access to Gemini in the side panel, Gems should appear soon, too.

Google recently detailed a major update en route for Classroom educators. Not only will the update bring its NotebookLM app to teachers and their students, but Google also highlighted the introduction of Gems. Its uses are similar to how Gems work anywhere else (including the Gemini app). Teachers can soon create a customized AI using their teaching material.

Additionally, these Gems that teachers create can also give students a little more help if they require it, as they become an "expert" in their material.

The company first revealed Gems almost a year ago, touting them as useful helpers for whatever users need help with. Early on, Google highlighted a few pre-made options users would find, like a Career guide, Writing editor, and Coding partner Gem. Each of these can walk users through the process, elevating their writing with proper grammar/structure, or learning about their aspirations to find the right career for them.

This is Android Central's News Weekly, your go-to source for a concise roundup of the week's most significant tech stories. This is where we delve into the top headlines that provide the latest developments and innovations contributing to the digital landscape.

July is shaping up to be an exciting month for tech enthusiasts! We're gearing up for the launch of several new devices in the first half of the month, along with the longest Amazon Prime Days event yet, running from July 8-11.

We'll be focusing on highlighting epic deals that are most relevant to you, and AC's eCommerce Editor, Patrick Farmer, has compiled some of the best deals for Android users that are available right now, from smartphones to tablets and everything in between. And don't forget: if you aren't a Prime member already, this would be a good time to sign up for Prime.

Now, getting back to what went down this week, Samsung finally announces its next Unpacked event, Nothing Phone 3 shows up in a massive leak, Google might've secretly named its XR glasses, more Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold 7 leaks show up, and Google Workspace gets bolstered with Gemini.

Samsung's next line of foldables are on the horizon

Read more here

Samsung announced this week (June 23) that its summer Galaxy Unpacked event is all set for July 9. The event will take place in Brooklyn, New York, after three years, calling the city a "borough known for bold ideas, creativity, and culture." The event will begin at 10 a.m. ET.

The summer Galaxy Unpacked will be live-streamed on Samsung's website and YouTube channel for those who aren't invited to the in-person unveiling of its next foldables lineup.

The Korean OEM didn't reveal much as to what we could expect out of this year's event; however, it did state that Galaxy AI will be at the center of it all. "With AI leading the way, Galaxy devices are evolving from reactionary smartphones to anticipatory smart companions – transforming how we communicate, create, and connect," Samsung said.

We also expect the company's next foldable and flip phones to be present as the star of the show, along with new smartwatches. Stay tuned!

For more news and information on Samsung’s upcoming foldables, check out our Ultimate Guide.

Nothing Phone 3's design and specs revealed

Read more here

Nothing has been dropping hints about its upcoming flagship Phone 3 as we inch closer to launch. The company recently took to X to confirm that the device will show up with a 50MP periscope lens. Nothing said that the camera is "built for creators," and while the camera's optical zoom capability also remains under wraps, the company shared a couple of photos that were taken using said lens, marketing the phone in the usual "Nothing" style.

That said, while the London-based company was dropping crumbs, a new leak pretty much showed us what the entire cake looked like. The leak suggests that Nothing Phone 3 will have three 50MP cameras, and that the camera placement on the Nothing Phone 3 will be unique. The top camera is off to the side, and the other two lenses are placed at the bottom next to each other.

The phone may have a 6.7-inch OLED display and be available in black and white colors. As for the device's battery, it is rumored to have a massive 5,150mAh capacity, and the glyph matrix interface on the rear panel.

The launch will take place on July 1.

Google's XR Glasses might have a unique name

Read more here

Google's XR Glasses were the talk of the town after their appearance at Google I/O this year. While Google didn't share much about when we could buy these XR Glasses and what they'd be called, we do know that these smart glasses will be heavily reliant on Gemini.

This week, we may have seen some chatter from an app developer, Sayed Ali Alkamel, who shared screenshots of the Android XR glasses paired to a companion app, the image shows the glasses bearing a name, "Google Martha."

Along with the name, the companion app also revealed controls that we could expect to see from these XR Glasses. You get to see the battery percentage of the smart glasses and how users will potentially be able to manage notifications and their preferences. Additionally, Google Martha's ability to enable or disable recording of their view was also spotted on the app.

Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Z Fold 7 spotted in more leaks

Read more here and here

Samsung's next Unpacked event is just a few weeks away, with the company finally announcing that it will unveil its next line of foldables on July 9. A fresh batch of leaks has given away a ton of details about both of these foldables.

Evan Blass has shared some renders on Substack, revealing alleged colorways of the upcoming foldables. He stated that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 will show up in three colorways, including an exclusive online color.

As for the Z Fold 7, we could see the phone in Blue Shadow, Jet Black, and Silver Shadow, and the clamshell will see Blue Shadow, Jet Black, and Coral Red colorways. This has been backed by another leak by Samsung itself, when it accidentally made staging pages go live on its Irish website for these foldables.

Another leak dropped hints at the potential price points these new phones will go on sale for. It stated that the Z Flip 7 could start at €1,099 for 256GB and €1,219 for 512GB. Meanwhile, the Z Fold 7 is rumored to land at €1,999 for 256GB, €2,119 for 512GB, and €2,359 for the 1TB model.

Google Workspace gets Gemini-ed

Read more here

Google's June feature drop brings a boost of Gemini into the Workspace ecosystem. Its latest AI video generation model is being integrated into Slides and Vids, while Gmail, Calendar, and other Workspace apps are getting Gemini's latest smarts.

Veo 3 will now be able to generate high-quality video clips with realistic sound by simply giving it a prompt within Vids and Slides. or instance, if you're working on a DIY or training video and need a shot of a worker wearing a specific item to introduce a safety training or a video on how to safely start a campfire, all users need to do is describe it, and Vids will create it for you.

Google Slides will now showcase several pre-designed templates, while other Workspace apps like Gmail, Keep, Calendar, etc, will have Gemini directly integrated into them.

More stories this week

Those are some of the biggest stories from this week. Meanwhile, here are some other stories that are worth catching up on:

• Vivo launches its X Fold 5, bridging the gap between Android and the Apple Watch
• Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2.1 starts rolling out to Pixels with some bug fixes
• Meta Horizon Plus subscription: How it works, and is it worth paying?
• Google might soon make it easier to sync notifications across your Android devices
• Samsung might make a Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 that's truly 'for Galaxy' S26
• One UI 8 beta has a funky lock screen trick that morphs around images
• 'Ask Photos' in Google Photos shows results faster, so you're not waiting on Gemini
• Some older Android phones will no longer get Chrome updates
• A new Google Pixel 10 display leak makes me feel left out, but there's still hope
• The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and 8 Classic might get a significant price bump

What you need to know

• Google's June feature drop is bringing a boost to Workspace with Gemini integration.
• Users will now be able to connect Workspace apps, such as Gmail, Keep, Calendar, and more, with Gemini to receive personalized suggestions based on Workspace data.
• Google Slides and Vids will also receive a boost with the integration of Veo 3, Gemini's latest video generation model.
• Gemini Live will also be integrated into Workspace apps, so that users can have real-time conversations with the AI chatbot and brainstorm ideas on the go.

Google's June feature drop brings a boost of Gemini into the Workspace ecosystem. Its latest AI video generation model is being integrated into Slides and Vids, while Gmail, Calendar, and other Workspace apps are getting Gemini's latest smarts.

Veo 3 will now be able to generate high-quality video clips with realistic sound by simply giving it a prompt within Vids and Slides. For instance, if you're working on a DIY or training video and need a shot of a worker wearing a specific item to introduce a safety training or a video on how to safely start a campfire, all users need to do is describe it, and Vids will create it for you.

"To help you create high-quality content, faster, we’re adding powerful new features into Google Slides and Google Vids — our new AI-powered video creation app for work," Google stated in its press release.

Once the video is generated, users can go in and make edits to scripts within every scene and also modify voiceovers if needed.

Google Slides will now showcase several pre-designed templates that will help users select the one that fits their needs while crafting presentations. From project proposals and team meetings to creative portfolios, users can find these templates in the template gallery within Google Slides.

As for the rest of the Workspace apps, Gemini will now be able to access information from Gmail, Drive, Keep, and more, to help you quickly access information across these apps. For instance, if you need a specific document from Drive or want to review your unread emails quickly, Gemini can summarize them for you.

The tech gain is also bringing Gemini Live to Workspace to help users have intuitive conversations, brainstorm ideas, or simply ask Gemini a work-related question. Furthermore, Gemini's Deep Research abilities also come into play. When users upload a large document to Gemini from Google Drive, it can now combine that information with public data to give them a detailed report. It also summarizes key insights and specific facts to give users a fully rounded understanding of the topic.

That said, it is important to note that Google is keeping things private when it comes to Workspace data. The tech giant reiterates that the data won't be used to train its Gemini model, and you are always in control of your privacy settings.

Gemini in Workspace is widely available, and users can give it a spin today.

What you need to know

• Gmail gains AI-powered personalized reply suggestions, inbox cleanup, and faster appointment scheduling.
• Google Meet gets real-time speech translation in multiple languages for the latest AI Pro and Ultra subscribers.
• Google Vids also leverages AI to convert slides to videos, refine recordings, generate scripts with AI avatars, and improve audio.

The biggest Google I/O event is here, and the search giant has a lot to offer across its products. Like in previous years, the focus is again on AI and its incorporation into its services.

Google showcased a glimpse of AI integration in its Workspace products like Gmail, Meet, Vids, and Docs, and they get new capabilities.

Gemini in Gmail

Starting with Gmail, regular users will now be able to reply to their emails with the help of AI. In instances like replying to an email or a thread where gathering previous details could be an intriguing task, new personalized replies in Gmail are coming into play. Users can draft their emails through AI suggestions that match their specific context and tone.

The response suggestions here will be based on past emails, alongside Google Drive, to get additional context. Google notes that Gemini can further adapt to users’ tone eventually, which can be crisp, formal, or conversational.

Speaking of emails, they tend to generally pile up, making users difficult to manage sometimes. That's where Gemini comes to your rescue again, as it can now start deleting or archiving emails with the new Inbox clean-up. Users will be able to tell Gemini to “delete all of my unread emails” from any specific user or a subscription to tidy up things in their inbox.

Additionally, fast appointment scheduling will be integrated into Gmail soon. It means users will be able to offer times for customers or clients who are normally out of their organization and not in their conventional calendar. Gemini in Gmail will also be able to detect when a user is trying to set up a meeting and give users “a helpful nudge,” making it easier to share the booking page right within the email app. The aim is to sort things out by reducing the time and effort spent coordinating schedules.

All the aforementioned features for Gmail will be available for the next quarter.

Google Meet gains language translation

Google Meet should soon be able to diminish language barriers in calls as it is gaining a speech translation feature. It helps listeners in a call listen to their language despite the speaker speaking in their preferred language, that too in real time. Google is also promising low-latency while maintaining their voice, tone, and expression. Overall, the conversation across both parties is likely to appear more authentic and natural.

The speech translation feature is available for Google Meet users for those who are subscribed to Google AI Pro and Ultra plans in beta, and is initially available in English and Spanish. More of them are promised to be added in the coming weeks.

Google Vids can turn slides into videos

Google Vids, which was launched last year, is now gaining notable features. They can now turn existing Google Slides into engaging videos. Slides or presentations can sometimes be boring; however, they are essential in organizations, be it to train teams, onboard new employees, and explain things. Such slides can now easily be converted into videos through Google Vids, which presumably captures the audience’s attention more than the slides.

Gemini is further believed to generate scripts, voiceovers, animations, and more.

Google Vids usually help users record things, and they can sometimes have distracting or filler words like “ums” and “ahs”. Integration of Gemini in Vids will help users trim such filler words and awkward pauses through the transcript trim feature, which can be triggered with a single click. With the help of AI, users will also be able to adjust sound levels in instances where sound quality is uneven, eliminating the need for complicated audio mixing.

Making training videos can be a hideous task, especially if there are dozens of them. Google Vids already allows users to make videos, and going further, users can just write a script and choose a new AI avatar feature to deliver the message on behalf of you. While the avatar does the talking, it claims to be handy to create polished video content and skip the process of coordinating talent and video production.

While converting slides to videos will be available for users next quarter, the Balance sound will be available next month, and transcript trim will arrive in Labs next quarter. The AI Avatar, on the other hand, is coming to Labs next month. Interestingly, all these features are included for those who are on a Google AI Pro or Ultra plan.

Imagen 4 in Workspace

Generating an image in Slides, Vids, and Docs just got better with the inclusion of Imagen 4— announced today at Google I/O. It promises to enhance users’ visual storytelling as Imagen 4 helps create richer, detailed visuals, accurate spelling, and text rendering for images. And, it is available for users starting today.

Google Docs gets Gemini Enhancements

Google is also launching a source-grounded writing assistance to help users concentrate better when writing on Google Docs. The sources that are typically dispersed around decks, data, and documents — and further stored in external links and Google Drive — can be brought into the assistant pane with the help of Gemini.

Users will be able to link relevant decks, data, and reports directly into a Google Docs document, where Gemini will be able to pull from these sources and simultaneously provide writing assistance. It further keeps suggestions intact and grounded in trusted content and eliminates the need for switching tabs. The feature is said to be available next quarter.

• Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T

What you need to know

• Gemini Live is rolling out for work and school users on Google Workspace domains.
• The feature is automatically enabled when Gemini access is available, and Gemini Apps Activity must remain turned on.
• Workspaces with the Gemini Apps add-on will share their data with Google to help improve AI features.

Gemini Live first rolled out for personal Google accounts last year, but users with Google Workspace accounts for work or school couldn't access the handy feature. That's changing, as Google announced today, May 9, that Gemini Live's conversation features are reaching the Gemini mobile app for Workspace customers. Users can now have multimodal conversations with Gemini Live in real time, using their voice, camera, or screen.

Notably, administrators can't individually restrict access to Gemini Live for their employees or students. It is available by default when Gemini app access is enabled, with no admin control for Live specifically. Gemini Apps Activity is also automatically enabled when Gemini app access is permitted by a Workspace, and users can't manually delete their activity.

Gemini Live is restricted to Workspace users who are 18 years or older, so some student accounts may be unable to use it due to age requirements. For personal Google accounts, the minimum age to use Gemini is 13 years old.

Google outlines the differences in Gemini's privacy and data collection policies for work and school accounts in the blog post.

"Currently, if you use the Gemini web app or mobile app with your work or school account, your Gemini Apps Activity is turned on and your conversation history is retained for 18 months," the post explains.

Even if you delete Gemini chats, the data is still saved in your Gemini Apps Activity on Google servers.

"For work users who have access to Gemini Apps as an additional service, while Gemini Apps Activity is on, Google collects your Gemini Apps conversations and other information you provide to improve and develop Google products and services and machine-learning technologies," the post continues.

The rollout is beginning today for all Google Workspace domains, but it could take up to 15 days for full feature visibility. It's available for the following Google Workspace plans and add-ons:

• Business Starter, Standard, Plus
• Enterprise Starter, Standard, Plus
• Education Fundamentals, Standard, and Plus
• Frontline Starter and Standard
• Nonprofits
• Essentials, Enterprise Essentials, and Enterprise Essentials Plus
• Gemini Add-ons
  • Gemini Business
  • Gemini Enterprise
  • Gemini Education
  • Gemini Education Premium

The expanded Gemini Live availability comes ahead of Google I/O 2025, a developer conference happening this month that will surely involve AI and Workspace features.

What you need to know

• Gmail is adding the ability to react to emails with emojis.
• The reactions are primarily for Gmail users, with users of other email providers getting a limited experience.
• Reactions are turned off by default and can be restricted by Google Workspace administrators in school or work settings.

Google is rolling out the ability to react to emails with emojis in Gmail, it announced in a Workspace Blog post. The feature addition will make sending and replying to an email more like interacting with a chat on a typical messaging platform, like Google Chat or Slack. These emoji reactions will be visible to everyone on the email chain, and could reduce the need for replying to mass emails to confirm receipt.

The company says that email reactions in Gmail can help users "quickly respond, acknowledge receipt of an email, and express themselves more authentically."

With that being said, email reactions in Gmail may not become as prevalent as you might expect. They are turned off by default, and can be restricted by your school or work in a Workspace domain. For administrators, emoji reactions can be managed by navigating to Admin console > Apps > Gmail > End User Access > Emoji reactions.

Additionally, reactions won't work properly for those not using Gmail, those who have their conversation view turned off, or those who have an outdated version of the Gmail app. In all these cases, Gmail reactions will come through as a standalone email using the following format: “[Name] reacted via Gmail."

"Whether you’re using a gratitude emoji to thank a teammate, voting for a team dinner with a food emoji, or congratulating your client for reaching a milestone with a celebratory emoji, emoji reactions provide an expressive and personalized way of responding to emails," the company explains.

There are also a number of situations where Gmail users won't be able to react to a message, as explained by a new support document:

• The admin for your work or school account has “Emoji reactions” turned off. Learn more about work or school accounts.
• The message is sent to a group email list.
• A message is sent to more than 20 recipients.
• You're in BCC.
• You’ve already sent more than 20 reactions to the same message.
• You open the email in another email provider, like Apple Mail or Microsoft Outlook.
• A message is encrypted with Client-side encryption. Learn about Gmail Client-side encryption.
• The sender has a custom reply-to address.

Aside from these limitations, the feature will soon be widely available for all Google Workspace accounts, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and all personal Google accounts.

Rapid release domains will start seeing the feature appear as of now, but it could take 15 days for full feature visibility. Scheduled release domains won't start seeing Gmail's emoji reactions until May 13, 2025, and after that it'll take 15 days for the rollout to complete.

What you need to know

• Gemini gains two NotebookLM-esque features, Canvas and Audio Overviews, in this month's Workspace feature drop.
• Gmail can now automatically detect invites in emails and prompt you to add them to your Calendar in one click with Gemini.
• Google Slides has a new sidebar that makes it easy to add design blocks and elements without leaving your presentation.

Google's Workspace feature drop for April 2025 is here with new AI tools for Gemini, Gmail, Slides, and Chat, the company announced in a blog post.

These updates notably bring popular features from NotebookLM, an AI-powered notebook and studying tool, to the main Gemini app. Integrating with existing features like Deep Research, the upgrades effectively bring the NotebookLM experience to more people.

The rest of the handy new Workspace features help with everything from adding events to your Google Calendar to creating unique presentations with Google Slides. Let's dive in and review everything new added to Google Workspace this month.

Gemini is getting a few excellent NotebookLM tools

The list of Gemini upgrades added in April starts with Canvas, a new workspace accessible from the main Gemini app. Here, users can draft documents, generate code, and much more. Below the Gemini prompt bar, you will now find the Canvas button beside the Deep Research button. Selecting it will start a writing or coding project that can be created, refined, and eventually exported to Google Docs or elsewhere.

It sounds a bit like NotebookLM, but more conveniently accessible from the regular Gemini user-interface. Similarly, Google is similarly bringing Audio Overviews from NotebookLM to the main Gemini app. For those unfamiliar, Audio Overviews take uploaded documents, slides, and more and turn them into spoken audio tracks that resemble the experience of listening to a podcast.

Audio Overviews in Gemini integrate with other features, like Canvas and Deep Research. For example, Google says a Deep Research report can be quickly turned into an Audio Overview. These features were previously announced in March, and are now widely available.

The same goes for Gemini 2.5 Pro (experimental), which is widely available for free Gemini users, as announced on March 31.

Gemini in Gmail will automatically find appointments buried in your emails

Next up is a handy Gmail feature that will spot invites to on-site events in your inbox and prompt you to add the event to your calendar. This was already possible for shared Google Calendar or Google Meet invites, but this new Gmail tool works with written invites that have no connection to the Google ecosystem.

It's powered by Gemini, and can detect written details about events in emails you've received. Then, in the Gemini sidebar for Gmail, you'll seen an Add to Calendar button that'll automatically create a Calendar event based on the information.

Additionally, Gmail is getting Gemini-powered Contextual Smart Replies that suggests context-accurate responses that can be sent with a tap or a few. These are available on both desktop and mobile.

It's now easier to build presentations in Google Slides

Sidebars are becoming a mainstay of Google Workspace, and there's a new one specifically made for Slides. This design sidebar can be used to find templates, add building blocks, discover stock photos, or generate images with AI. It's neatly pushed to the side of the slide you're working on as to not block your view.

"This convenient sidebar consolidates features to build and present visually stunning slides — without leaving your presentation," the company explains.

Everything else that's new, and when the features will be available

For enterprises, Google is adding a board tab in Chat that will let teams pin messages, files, and links. Additionally, it's adding a HubSpot app for Google Chat that integrates with the customer resource management platform for convenient access.

Many of these features were previously announced on the Google Workspace Blog, but are now becoming widely available as of the Workspace feature drop for April 2025.

What you need to know

• Google Meet is changing the default layout options for large meetings to get more people involved.
• Dynamic layouts now automatically crop tiles to get rid of background space and fit more tiles.
• You can now pin up to six tiles on your Google Meet layout, up from three previously.

Google is rolling out a major Google Meet update this month that adds new layout options for large meetings, it announced today in a Google Workspace blog post. The update adds a feature called "Dynamic layouts," which uses AI to identify faces and eliminate unwanted backgrounds using two new tile types: portrait tiles and dynamic tiles.

Anyone can use portrait tiles, which Google says will "prioritize faces by cropping out excess background video." This means you can fit more faces on a single layout. Portrait tiles also feature "optimized tile placement logic to enable much more efficient layouts that minimize unused space." In other words, Dynamic layouts use smart portrait tiles to get more people involved.

Google is also adding a tile type exclusive to Google Meet conference room hardware with Dynamic layouts. They're called dynamic tiles, which splits up video for people calling in from the same conference room into individual tiles.

"An individual video tile is created for up to 3 meeting participants joining from the same conference room with Google Meet hardware," the company explains. "AI-enabled active-speaker detection automatically highlights only the tile of the in-room speaker without any special hardware requirements."

Aside from the fact that dynamic tiles are split up using AI, they'll work just like any regular tile or portrait tile. That means you can pin a specific speaker to your layout individually, even if they are in the same room as other speakers. Previously, users would have to pin the entire conference room feed to their layout, and wouldn't be able to see individual speakers up close. This works for up to three people in the same conference room.

There are also new visual and user-interface changes. When a speaker's camera is off, their placeholder tile is now color-themed. Additionally, thanks to Dynamic layouts, Meet users can now pin up to six tiles to their layout — up from only three previously.

Dynamic layouts will become the default when they arrive for all Google Meet users. However, it's possible to manually switch back to legacy layouts in the layout options selection menu. Additionally, users can select Show my full video to others to prevent their camera feed from being cropped into a portrait tile for others.

Google says this may come in handy particularly for accessibility: "We encourage sign-language interpreters especially to consider using this feature to ensure that arms and hands are not unintentionally cropped out."

These features will begin to rollout for Workspace customers on rapid release domains starting March 31, 2025, and can take up to 15 days to appear for everyone. Scheduled release domains won't see these Meet upgrades until April 17, and it could take up to three weeks after that for them to appear for everyone. These upgrades are available for both paid and personal Workspace accounts.

What you need to know

• Google's latest Workspace feature drop is here, and the March 2025 edition includes a handful of Gemini features.
• The Gemini sidebar in Workspace apps now supports more languages, and Google Chat works with over 120 languages for inline translation.
• Gemini's meeting notes for Google Meet now add action items and optional meeting transcripts.

Once scattered throughout the month, Google is now bundling new Workspace features into monthly feature drops. The March 2025 Workspace feature drop is here, packing one feature previously announced and a few brand new ones.

The updates were revealed in a blog post today, March 26, and include new language support in Workspace apps, expanded Gemini meeting notes, and inline Google Chat translation.

Upgraded language support in Workspace, inline Google Chat translation

This month's feature drop includes more support for languages in Workspace apps, specifically in Gemini integrations. For instance, Gemini's "Translate for me" feature now supports over 120 languages in Google Chat. The service can automatically detect and translate inline text, allowing users to view the original text or translated text with a single click.

Previously, users would've had to use Google Translate to translate foreign languages separately. This could save Google Chat users time, as they can quickly view translations for the vast number of supported languages directly in their conversation.

Additionally, the Gemini side panel in most Workspace apps now supports more languages. Gmail, Docs, Slides, and Sheets will work with a total of 29 supported languages, with the full list below:

• Arabic
• Catalan
• Chinese
• Czech
• Danish
• Dutch
• English
• Finnish
• French
• German
• Greek
• Hebrew
• Hungarian
• Indonesian
• Italian
• Japanese
• Korean
• Malay
• Norwegian
• Polish
• Portuguese
• Romanian
• Russian
• Spanish
• Swedish
• Thai
• Turkish
• Ukrainian
• Vietnamese

Google Chat's Gemini side panel is a bit more limited, with only eight languages currently supported. You can view the full list of supported languages for each Gemini in Workspace feature here.

Gemini's meeting notes now identify action items

Separately, Google is adding a final section to the meeting notes generated by "Take notes for me" with Gemini in Google Meet. Currently, using the Take notes for me feature will generate a Google Doc that recaps a virtual meeting without participants or hosts lifting a finger. It includes quick links to meeting attendees, recordings, and transcripts, as well as a basic summary with important details listed separately.

Now, the company is adding a new dimension to Gemini's meeting notes with "Suggested next steps." At the end of the document created with Take notes for me, you'll see a Suggested next steps section with important action items.

Google says these can be edited or assigned to specific team members. If selected, the list of meeting notes can include the full transcript and will be sent to participants via Gmail. Last month, the company added support for scrollable captions to make catching up on a live transcript easier.

Plus, Google Vids can create voiceovers with AI

As announced last week, Google Vids is also getting an upgrade to its "Help me create" tool. This previously allowed users to generate a video and a voiceover script with AI. The latest Vids feature can take that AI-generated script and turn it into a real voiceover, saving recording time.

Some of the features included in the March 2025 Google Workspace feature drop may require a paid Workspace account, either via the Google One AI Premium plan or a work or school plan. It can take weeks or longer for the features to roll out for everyone, depending on their release schedule.

What you need to know

• Google Vids is adding the ability to create AI-generated voiceovers for your projects.
• You could already use AI to create videos and sample scripts in Google Vids.
• Now, you can form an entire project — video, scripts, and audio — with AI in Google Vids.

Google Vids is a relatively new Google Workspace service that uses AI and Gemini to create videos and presentation from scratch. It's intended to be a more practical alternative to other video-generation tools, prioritizing work and school applications such as presentations, slideshows, and other types of content delivery methods. Now, Google is expanding Vids' AI capabilities with the ability to generate voiceovers, it announced this week.

After creating a video with Google Vids, the "Help me Create" feature made it possible to generate a voiceover script with AI. The latest update takes things a step further, using AI to narrate the previously-generated script. Google notes the following as benefits to using Help me Create to make AI voiceovers:

• "Eliminate the manual effort of recording 'the perfect take'"
• "Gain easy access to a variety of voiceovers that provide you with professional-sounding video narration"
• "Save time matching voiceovers to scenes in your video with automatic audio to scene alignment"

After generating a sample script and AI voiceover, you can edit the script and voiceover with ease, so you aren't locked into one generation. There are different tone and pitch options to choose from, as well as unique voices. The script and voiceover options will only appear through Help me Create after opening or creating a Google Vids project.

The feature is only available to paid Google Workspace customers on the following plans:

• Business Standard and Plus
• Enterprise Standard and Plus
• Essentials, Enterprise Essentials and Enterprise Essentials Plus
• Education Plus
• Gemini Business, Enterprise, Education or Education Premium add-ons

AI-generated voiceovers are rolling out now in Google Vids, but it could take 15 days from the feature's initial release (March 20) for the functionality to appear for everyone.

What you need to know

• More Gemini AI capabilities venture into Google Sheets and Drive.
• This includes the ability to generate insights regarding contextual trends, patterns, or correlations between variables in data.
• For Google Drive, videos uploaded can have AI-generated transcripts to make them easier to discover.
• NotebookLM and Gemini Deep Research are now available for Workspace consumers too.

Feature drops are something Google Pixel users look forward to, and the search giant seems to be pushing out more of these lately. Last week, we saw some Workspace drops for Google Sheets, Google Drive, Gemini Deep Research, and Notebook LLM (via 9to5Google).

Gemini is bringing some notable new AI capabilities to Google Sheets, which will be based on advanced multi-step code generation. These capabilities are likely to help generate deeper insights regarding contextual trends, patterns, or correlations between variables in data provided in Sheets.

Further, to provide advanced visual insights, it will also be able to generate advanced chart types, like heat maps, for example.

Here’s one of the few examples cited by the search giant in the announcement blog post:

“A small business owner managing cash flow can ask "Predict my net income for the next quarter based on historical data" to proactively identify potential shortfalls.”

Google Sheets users will also see some improvements, like pasting speeds significantly improved by up to 50% when copying between spreadsheets. Further, a 50% faster filter menu loading speed is available for larger datasets, which can include several unique values. And, getting data should be quicker as well, because existing spreadsheets are claimed to open up 30% quicker.

After announcing the automatic generation of captions for uploaded videos on Google Drive last year, Google is now introducing a video transcripts feature for videos to make them easier to discover and reference when required.

Drive users will be able to view and search transcripts for videos with captions. The transcript can be viewed right next to the video player, which will automatically highlight the spoken text in the video. It further allows users to jump to the preferred part while watching the video by clicking on the transcript.

NotebookLM, the search giant’s popular AI research assistant, is now incorporated as a core service for Workspace Business and Enterprise consumers. The Assistant looks at the users’ organization's data to generate insights and accelerate learning. For the said consumers, it includes the same enterprise-grade data protections and level of technical support as other core Workspace apps.

Similarly, Gemini Deep Research is also now available for Google Workspace customers. It helps in exploring complex topics on users’ behalf and converts its findings into a comprehensive and easy-to-read format, cutting a lot of time for people trying to piece information together.

Those comprehensive reports can further be exported to Google Docs and quickly shared with the team. Users can find the generated reports neatly organized with relevant links to dig even more. Further follow-up questions can be asked to make the report even more refined.

• Chromebook deals: Walmart | Best Buy | Lenovo | HP | Amazon

What you need to know

• Google Voice users can now transfer their calls to another person on their team with the new feature "call delegation."
• It's also easier to transfer a Google Voice number from a personal Voice account to an enterprise Voice account.
• In the future, Google plans to expand the features and items call delegates can access, including inbox management and call/voicemail history.

Google Voice is gaining two key features that will make using the virtual voice calling services easier for both personal and enterprise uses: call delegation and phone number transfers. The two updates are beginning to roll out now for all Google Workspace customers with a Google Voice Standard or Premier subscription, as separate blog posts announced this week.

The first new feature, call delegation, is aimed at making it easier to collaborate in workspaces where everyone uses a Google Voice phone number. Essentially, Google Workspace admins can now "delegate" calls to other people — kind of like how call and extensions would work on a typical corporate phone line. When a Google Voice call is delegated to another person, Google writes that delegates will be able to:

• Answer calls on the delegator’s behalf
• Place calls on the delegator’s behalf, including transferring the call to the delegator once connected
• Transfer calls selectively to the delegator
• Listen to voicemail messages and view voicemail transcripts

Previously, there was no similar mechanism for transferring Google Voice calls from one person to another in a Google Workspace.

The company explains that this is a highly-requested feature from Google Workspace customers who use Google Voice. It adds that in the future, call delegation will expand to make it possible for selected delegates to view call and voicemail history, as well as inbox management for chosen people.

The other update to Google Voice makes it possible to transfer a phone number from a personal Voice account to a paid enterprise Voice account. This is a big deal for Google Voice customers, as it establishes continuity — users may not have to switch phone numbers when moving from their own Voice account to their new company's Voice account.

Google calls the process "a significantly improved experience," and it can be done without contacting the company. In the Google Voice web client, users can now navigate to Account Settings and find the Transfer your number to another Voice account area. Then, you can request the transfer by choosing a Voice number and entering your Workspace email for your business. After that, an administrator at your company can approve the switch.

Google Voice is a useful virtual voice calling service, and these updates make using it more akin to a traditional phone line than ever before.

What you need to know

• Google is running ad spots that highlight how small businesses use Gemini in Workspace to grow their business.
• However, one ad became shrouded in controversy due to an incorrect statement Gemini appeared to make.
• As it turns out, the error was actually because Gemini didn't write the output — it was written by a human years earlier.

Google is running a Super Bowl marketing campaign, which highlights how 50 small businesses in 50 media markets use Gemini in Workspace to run their operations. The ads will air in the home media market of the small business highlighted in them this Sunday, Feb. 9, during the Super Bowl. However, in the case of Google's "Wisconsin Cheese Mart: Gemini in Google Docs" advertisement, it looks like the whole thing was a charade.

This specific commercial is just one of 50 that are part of the campaign, but it has been shrouded in controversy. First, it appeared that Google's Gemini AI got details in the showcase wrong. Gemini's output read that Gouda makes up "50 to 60 percent of the world's cheese consumption," which is incorrect, as spotted by The Verge. Google quietly edited the advertisement to remove the incorrect claim from Gemini's response.

The original YouTube video link is live, and you can watch the ad below — but there's no sign it was edited aside from the slew of comments criticizing Google for the swap.

Originally, critics suggested that Gemini's response may have been a hallucination. However, that doesn't seem to be the case — as Google Cloud Apps President Jerry Dischler claimed on X, saying it was "not a hallucination, Gemini is grounded in the Web."

Dischler appears to be right, but that's because Gemini never wrote the output in question at all. According to The Verge, the exact same original response allegedly written by Gemini appeared on the Wisconsin Cheese Mart's website description as early as 2020 — almost three years before Google released Gemini, then known as Bard.

The commercial still passes off the output as being written by Gemini, despite the correction. Based on this information, it's likely the incorrect fact about Gouda was not an AI misstep — it was just a human one.

Android Central asked Google why it removed the incorrect Gouda stat from the original advertisement. We also asked whether it could confirm the output said to be written by Gemini was actually written by a human, and why it was said to be created by Gemini. Google did not immediately respond to our request, but we will update this article if we hear back.

What you need to know

• Google announced that it's bringing Gemini's generative AI help to Workspace Business and Enterprise editions.
• This rollout brings several tools for Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and more, as well as a "simplified pricing" plan for customers.
• Users are also getting their hands on NotebookLM and Gemini Advanced.
• Workspace Business editions started receiving Gemini on January 15, leaving Enterprise folks waiting until January 29.

Google is taking its AI model Gemini and bringing it to more users involved in two of its Workspace plans.

The company recently announced through Workspace Updates that it is bringing Gemini to users subscribed to its Workspace Business and Enterprise plans. Those with the Business Starter, Standard, and Plus plans started receiving Gemini on January 15. According to Google, its AI model additions will concern Gmail, Docs, Meet, Drive, Sheets, Chat, and Slides. Additionally, the company is giving its Business and Enterprise users access to Gemini Advanced and NotebookLM Plus.

Google went into more detail regarding Gemini's debut in Business and Enterprise in a subsequent blog post.

There, the company states users will find "simplified pricing" with its included AI software. Google gives the example of a Workspace Business Standard user who, currently, pays $32 per month, per user. However, the simplified pricing will drop that total down to $14 per month, per user with the Gemini Business add-on. There is a fully updated table of pricing following this announcement available for users. The post states that its monthly pricing will see these updates on March 17 "or at renewal date with an Annual/Fixed-term plan."

What's more, Google mentioned security following its recent massive drop of AI to a wealth of its subscribers. The company states, "We don’t use your data, prompts, or generated responses to train Gemini models outside of your domain without permission." It adds that it also doesn't "sell your data" for ad purposes.

Users are said to remain in control, meaning that Gemini will only leverage data that you make available to it.

Speaking of your data, as Gemini rolls in, users will find a few features for each Workspace app, such as "help me write" in Gmail. The feature will help users "write and improve" emails and alter a message's tone of voice through Gemini. Additionally, like what you'll find in Docs, Gmail users will find AI-generated email and document summaries.

There were several other generative AI-based tools that Google highlighted early last year for Workspace. Among them is the ability to have auto-generated images, audio, and videos for work in Slides. Joining that are auto-completed analyses, formula generation, and more in Sheets. Interested users can read the full changelog packed with Gemini AI assistance in the updated Workspace post.

As previously mentioned, Google is giving Workspace Business and Enterprise users access to its NotebookLM, which recently introduced Audio Overviews. These grant users two AI voices that act like co-hosts of a podcast or talk show. The AI will condense information in a lengthy document and turn it into something light, yet informational for you to listen to. The AI is said to "make connections" while it discusses the data you've provided.

In October, the company brought another update that lets users "guide" the AI in NotebookLM. Essentially, users can tell the AI how the conversation should flow and what it should focus on.

As Google's Workspace Business users get into Gemini, the company states that its three Enterprise editions will receive the AI on January 29.

What you need to know

• Google Docs added 40 new pageless templates aimed to help users "build high-quality, modern documents faster.
• The new templates cover blog posts, press releases, business proposals, and journals, as well as specialized options for business and education Workspace users.
• Google previously added similar modernized templates to Slides last month.

Google's latest addition to Workspace is a set of 40 new pageless templates for Google Docs that are available starting today. The company announced the new templates, which come with integrated Docs features, in a blog post. Google says these are "high-quality, visually modern designs" that can be useful in a variety of situations, with specialized options for enterprise and education users.

The pageless templates feature document tabs and placeholder chips, two Google Docs features that were previously available. Document tabs help organize long documents into easily-digestible and navigable sections. Meanwhile, placeholder chips aim to simplify workflows by making it easy to fill in documents with people, dates, files, events, and places.

Aside from document tabs and placeholder chips, the 40 new templates are outfitted with custom designs, fonts, and structures. Google explains that there are templates for blog posts, press releases, business proposals, and journals, as well as specialized options such as:

• A project roadmap, marketing plan, and sales emails for business users.
• An interview guide, onboarding guide, and training manual for human resource teams.
• A reading list and class notes templates for education users.

There are a few ways to add a template to a new Google Doc, starting with a new Templates building block that will appear at the top of a blank document. Alternatively, you can choose a template by navigating through File > New > From template gallery in the Google Docs toolbar.

These new templates are available to all Google Workspace users, though it may take some time for them to show up for everyone. Both rapid release and scheduled release domains are starting to see these 40 new templates starting today, but the rollout can take up to 15 days to complete.

Google says that users can expect "even more high-quality Docs template options in the coming months."

What you need to know

• Google first previewed "huddles," a quick way to start instant audio conversations in Google Chat, in 2023.
• Huddles are now coming to Google Chat users in select Google Workspace tiers.
• They are instant-on audio calls that Google says will help "reduce meeting fatigue" for workers.

Google Chat is making quick conversations simpler with "huddles," which are audio-first calls that resemble a Slack feature of the same name. Huddles are instant-on, and will significantly reduce the friction between Google Chat and Google Meet. Instead of needing to switch from Chat to Meet to start a quick video call, users will now be able to start a huddle from Google Chat in an instant.

The feature was initially previewed in 2023, but it's only now rolling out to select Google Workspace tiers. Business Starter, Standard, and Plus; Enterprise Starter, Standard, and Plus; Frontline Starter and Standard; Essentials, Enterprise Essentials, and Enterprise Essentials Plus; Nonprofits will all be able to use huddles in Google Chat.

Although huddles are clearly intended to be an audio-first method of communication, users can also share their screen or use video to get their message across. Additionally, the button for huddles in Google Chat is joined by options for phone calls and Meet video calls, so there are still plenty of options. Huddles are entirely powered by Google Meet, and are simply integrated with Chat. Google says that employees in workspaces that don't enable Google Meet can join huddles, but can't create them.

To start a huddle, click the Video icon in the Google Chat toolbar, which will open a dropdown menu. Here, you'll see options for Call, Meet, and huddle. Select the Start a huddle option to begin the call, which begins as audio-only. All members of the Google Chat space or chat will receive a message that reads: [user] has started a huddle, click “Join” to enter the huddle.

"Huddles help to reduce meeting fatigue for hybrid workers, and eliminates the need for lengthy discussions over email or in Chat," Google explains in a post on the Google Workspace Blog. "Instead of jumping out of the conversation and into a meeting, huddles integrates directly and smoothly into the Chat experience."

This feature is rolling out now for users on rapid release Google Workspace domains. Users on Google Workspace domains with scheduled releases won't start seeing this feature until Jan. 6, 2025.

What you need to know

• Google highlighted the wider "general" launch of its new "Vids" app for Workspace users.
• Google Vids leverages Gemini for several AI-backed tools when creating videos, ranging from generated voice-overs to image/video and music suggestions.
• Google detailed the new app during the Cloud Next 2024 event in April before it hopped into testing this past summer.

Google's latest major AI venture has exited testing and it becoming available for more Workspace users.

The company highlighted the "general availability" of its AI-backed video creation app, Google Vids. The post states users can "easily build" videos by leveraging its AI model Gemini for assistance. The app has generative AI features through its new "help me create" button. One standout function of Google Vids is its selection of templates.

Clicking "help me create" will reportedly produce Gemini's assistance based on your work. Google states its AI software can suggest a "script" for use or to serve as inspiration.

The templates Google alluded to are "use-based," meaning Workspace users may find the design they prefer to use in ads, meetings, and more. On a support page, the company states that users can find these templates within the sidebar. These templates deliver a frame from which users can build off of. Google states users can choose different animations, transitions, and more.

The post adds that users will find a built-in recording studio when creating videos. From there, Workspace users can record themselves, a narration, a screen recording, or audio. However, Google Vids leans heavily on AI assistance, meaning Gemini can create a voice-over for you. The company states this feature is available at the bottom of the script panel.

Google then extends a warning to Workspace users interested in the Vids app. While it is expanding to "select" subscription plans, "AI-powered features like 'help me create' and AI voice-overs" remain free until December 31, 2025. The company states a "limit" may be applied to such features by 2026, but it will provide a follow-up alert around that time if it's happening.

The Google Vids expansion includes Workspace Business (Standard/Plus), Enterprise (Standard/Plus), Education Plus, Essentials, Enterprise Essentials and Enterprise Essentials Plus. Moreover, a Gemini Business, Enterprise, Education, or Education Premium add-on will find Google Vids.

The feature has started making its rounds and its rollout should be completed within 15 days.

Google first debuted its Vids app for Workspace during the Cloud Next 2024 event in April. This was followed up with a testing phase that kicked off this past summer. The company detailed Google Vids as an AI-backed tool to assist with generating storyboards alongside a wealth of editing/stylizing options. What's more, Gemini was stated to offer more suggestions when you can't decide between stock videos, images, and background music.

Additionally, Google Vids provides a "View and Collaborate" function. This lets other users (with a Workspace account) come in and work with you on a project. There is an option to "create and copy;" however, Google states this is available to "select editions."

What you need to know

• Chrome profiles gain improvements as part of the new feature rollout this week.
• Admins get the latest customization and granular policy controls for user groups in the organization.
• Tab experiences on Chrome also receive customization options and integration of Google Calendar on the new tab page.

This week, Google Chrome Enterprise gained some new productivity capabilities to help Google Workspace users who rely on their browsers for everyday work with services like Gmail and Google Docs.

In a recent Google Cloud blog post, the search giant shared all the new changes, including new Chrome profile management capabilities for IT teams that manage browsers and some productivity features for Workspace consumers.

Admins managing profiles get the latest benefits, such as the ability to "Tailor Chrome settings and policies for specific user groups or roles within your organization."

They can also impose security policies at the profile level, which ensures the protection of sensitive data on personal devices for users signed in to Chrome. They can provide secure browsing environments for personal and contractor devices.

Users can further separate their work and personal data with relevant profiles in Chrome to improve their productivity and user experience.

Workspace consumers will also have more visibility into Chrome user profiles in their organizations thanks to new profile listings and the ability to report with Google Cloud Identity. There's now a unified view that showcases users' profiles of their organization, browser version, applied policies, and installed extensions, among other things. This feature is said to be generally available in the coming months.

Another interesting addition is for admins, who can "also benefit from new Device Trust Connectors with Okta, Ping, and Cisco Duo for context-aware access. Chrome can share device signals with partners when a user is signed in to Chrome (or when a user is in a Chrome Profile)." 

The aim is to free up admins from having to maintain the device and create context-aware access controls for their expanded workforce. Consumers can further limit access to Workspace and other SaaS applications and exchange signals using Workspace context-aware access restrictions or Chrome Enterprise Premium.

A new sign-in flow window for Chrome is also expected to roll out in the coming weeks. This window claims to give more transparency to business users. It should make it easier to manage personal and work profiles. Business users can also see the types of data their organization has access to. 

Additionally, they are allowed to move their current bookmarks, extensions, and other relevant browser data between personal and work profiles, or they can choose to keep them separate altogether.

Going further, Chrome Enterprise users will now be able to see an overview of their daily Google Calendar or Drive in the new tab page, giving them easier access. This feature is already rolling out, so if you are one of them, you should be on the lookout.

Admins will be able to create site shortcuts directly on the address bar. "These can be tailored to specific groups, such as giving the entire sales team easy access to Salesforce." This is also currently rolling out and will be available for all users, even if they are now Workspace users.

After Chrome Desktop allowed syncing tab groups across multiple desktops, a new feature allows them to save and sync across all devices, including Android devices and iOS handsets. Chrome will also proactively suggest pages to revisit based on your previous tab activity—these were part of the latest Google Chrome update, which has already rolled out. These are some of the tab improvements that are coming for Chrome users and Enterprise users across platforms.

What you need to know

• Google Vids is the latest AI video generation tool, and it's rolling out now for Workspace Labs testing.
• The web app creates presentation-style animations with text, images, and even voiceovers.
• This new tool joins a growing suite of AI features in Google Workspace, like Help me Write and the Gemini sidebar.

It's been a busy few months for consumer tech events, so you may have forgotten that Google held its Cloud Next 2024 conference in early April. That's where it showed off Google Vids, an AI-based video generation app that will eventually fit into Google Workspace. Compared to OpenAI's Sora model, Google is positioning vids as a more practical alternative. It can be used to make presentations, slideshows, and other types of informative content. 

The company is now testing Vids through its Workspace Labs program, which lets beta testers try out experimental Workspace features before anyone else. In an email to people enrolled in the Labs program this week, Google invited users to check out Vids. 

"Vids is an AI-powered video creation app that’s designed for work and deeply integrated with the Workspace suite you use every day," the email explained. "Build your narrative with high-quality templates or use Gemini in Vids to help you get to a first draft faster. Unleash your creativity with our royalty-free stock content library and land your message with Vids recording studio — all without ever leaving Workspace."

Google says that Vids is invitation-only for now, so not everyone will be able to try it. You'll need to be enrolled in Workspace Labs, but Google may be randomly determining which Labs testers will gain access to Vids first. If you have access to Google Vids, you'll have received an email from Google with a link that you can follow to make your first one. 

Notably, it appears that Google Vids is built on the foundation of Google Docs. If you have access to the new tool in Workspace Labs, you'll spot a Google Vids option in the New dropdown menu in Google Drive. Clicking Google Vids from that list — the same way you'd create a new Docs or Slides project — prompts you to choose a Vids template. However, taking a look at the document's URL reveals that Vids are hosted on the docs.google.com domain. It's possible that Vids could get its own site in the future, but it's part of Docs for this Workspace Labs test. 

Google shows a pop-up window explaining how Google Vids works the first time you try and use it. Like other AI-based experimental features, the company warns that human reviewers can look at your prompts, so you shouldn't share anything confidential or private. Since this tool uses artificial intelligence, its accuracy is not guaranteed either. 

The flagship feature in Google Vids is called Help Me Create, and it's much like the Help Me Write tool you can find across Workspace. Essentially, one of the easiest ways to get started with Vids is by typing out a quick prompt. You tell Google what you want your video to look like, and it will use AI to help make your vision a reality. It has Workspace integration, and that means you can provide Vids with other files in Drive by using the @ symbol to search your saved documents. 

After that, Google uses AI to come up with a sample outline for your project. If your prompt was vague or Google didn't come up with an outline that matches what you were looking for, you can edit, delete, or add parts to the outline. Google Vids uses the outline to generate a video, so it's worth taking the time to refine your outline before continuing. 

Then, you'll pick from three sample designs, which are like templates in Google Slides. When you've selected the one you want, Google will prompt you to click Create a draft video. After a brief processing period, you'll be greeted with the finished product in Google Vids. You can play it and share it, or edit it to your liking. 

What it's like using Google Vids

You can scroll through the gallery above to see what it's like to create a Google Vid from start to finish. I was impressed with how quick the entire process was, specifically the video generation part of the ordeal. If you breeze through the prompting process, you can go from the New Google Vids menu in Drive to having a finished project in just a few minutes. Considering that AI has to generate the video, content, and design, that's a solid feat. 

However, AI is still AI. I liked how the design and transitions of the video turned out, but the actual content was hit-or-miss. Google is partially using a stock photo and video database for source materials, and sometimes the choices didn't make sense. For example, my video about Android included a cover image of a pharmacist's prescription pad on the title card, for some reason. 

It's also worth mentioning that, while Google calls this an AI video generator, Google Vids is really just making top-notch slideshow presentation. It's not a true video-generation model, like OpenAI's Sora, which is creating cinematic-like video from scratch. It isn't even like TCL's awkward AI movies.

With that being said, I think this is a perfect fit for Google Vids. If you keep your expectations reasonable, you'll be impressed by this new Workspace Labs feature. My college days aren't too far behind me, and I would've definitely used this thing for presentations. I've never bothered learning all it takes to produce high-quality PowerPoints and slide presentations, and Vids takes care of that heavy lifting. I wouldn't trust the photos, images, or text that it comes up with, though. If you use Vids, expect to spend a fair bit of time making the finished product your own. 

What you need to know

• Google announced a new side panel for select Google Workspace apps at Google I/O 2024, and it’s starting to roll out now.
• The side panel uses Gemini 1.5 Pro and will first become available in Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive. 
• Users that partake in the Google Workspace Labs and Gemini for Workspace Alpha programs will start seeing the refreshed side panel now, with wider availability set to come later.

Google announced that a new Gemini side panel would be coming to Workspace at Google I/O 2024, and it's starting to become widely available for early access testers. The upgraded side panel now uses the company's newest AI model, Gemini 1.5 Pro, and received a visual overhaul. It looks like the Gemini web client and bolsters the existing Gemini in Workspace feature set. 

There have been AI-based features in Google Workspace since last I/O, like Help me write. However, the addition of this new Gemini 1.5 Pro sidebar unifies the experience of using AI in Workspace apps. It's derived from the Duet AI side panel that debuted earlier this year, and is slowly being rebranded as Gemini, which is now the name for all of Google's AI efforts — from LLMs, to chatbots, to individual features.

Google said that testers would start seeing the Gemini 1.5 Pro side panel last week, but it's now widely available, as 9to5Google first spotted. It's coming to Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive first, but it may appear in other Google Workspace apps in the future. While the general functionality is similar to other Gemini products, the difference-maker here is how the side panel ties into Workspace. 

The expanded context window brought by Gemini 1.5 Pro allows it to use more data and different types of data to give quality answers. For example, in addition to summarizing the document you're currently reading in Google Docs, Gemini's side panel can also summarize a Google Meet call or draft an email. This happens using the context of the data provided so it is more accurate and tailored to the specific situation. 

For now, only Google Workspace Labs and Gemini for Workspace Alpha users will see the Gemini 1.5 Pro side panel. You can sign up for Workspace Labs by clicking this link, but the side panel will only appear for enrolled accounts. 

Eventually, the side panel will make its way to more users, but it'll be locked behind a paywall. Users will need to subscribe to either the Google One AI Premium plan or an enterprise Gemini for Workspace plan to access the sidebar. For those customers, the Gemini 1.5 side panel will appear next month. It could be expanded to free users in the future, though that isn't confirmed. 

What you need to know

• Google has streamlined the process of setting up two-factor authentication (2FA) for Workspace users.
• Users can now set up two-step verification without needing to provide a phone number.
• Even if 2FA is disabled in your Google account settings, your previously enrolled second steps and backup codes will now be preserved, rather than being deleted.

Google is making it easier to set up two-factor authentication (2FA) for Workspace users, so admins can more easily encourage members to turn on 2FA.

In a blog post, Google announced that you can now set up two-step verification without a phone number. Instead, you can secure your account with either the Google Authenticator app or a physical security key. Both options offer an extra layer of protection and make it much harder for hackers to gain access, even if they steal your password.

Before, you had to give out your phone number to set up two-step verification. Nowadays, many people hesitate to share their phone numbers because of privacy concerns. Let's face it, relying solely on SMS codes isn't the most secure approach.

While SMS verification for 2FA is better than nothing, it's not foolproof. Google itself warns in a support document that codes sent via text messages can be vulnerable to hacks targeting phone numbers.

The latest update allows you to skip the less secure SMS method and remove it entirely from your security setup. By letting you ditch the phone number altogether, you're opting for more secure methods like an authenticator app or security key.

Furthermore, users who use hardware security keys now have two options on the "Passkeys and security keys" page. They can either register a FIDO1 credential on their security key or create a passkey.

If you have a managed Google Workspace account, you might still need to log in with your password, depending on your administrators' setup.

Another update is that your "enrolled second steps" will now remain intact. Previously, if you turned off two-step verification in your Google account settings, all second-step methods and saved backup codes would be deleted. Now, these will be saved even if you disable 2FA.

However, if an admin turns off 2FA for a member, all related security measures will still be removed, maintaining a thorough security system as before.

Google has begun rolling out the update to both Workspace customers and personal account users.

What you need to know

• Google Meet is adding live annotations while presenting content, including shared screens and more.
• Users can make annotations using highlighter tools, pen tools, text boxes, and more while presenting, or add co-annotators for collaboration. 
• The feature is only available for paid Google Workspace users, and may be limited based on the platform you use Google Meet on. 

After adding annotation support to Google Docs earlier this year, Google Meet users can now make annotations and collaborate with others while presenting. Google announced the changes last week, and they're now starting to roll out to users of select Google Workspace tiers. With annotation, it's easy to highlight, draw, or add text to presented content from screen shares to file or webpage shares.

Annotations will be turned on by default when you start presenting content in Google Meet. There's a new menu that can be found in the bottom righthand corner of the share preview that houses all of the settings an options related to annotations. Alternatively, there is an annotation button in the top left corner of the presentation toolbar in Google Meet as well.

This menu includes stickers, a disappearing ink tool, a pen tool, a highlighter tool, text boxes, sticky notes, lines and shapes, and a color picker. Additionally, there is a Clear all option as well as an eraser tool. When you're finished annotating, there is a Stop annotating button in this menu too. 

Other meeting participants can be added as co-annotators, and this is helpful so the presenter can talk while a helper annotates. It also might be conducive to collaboration, with more people being able to participate. 

However, annotations in Google Meet aren't available for everyone. You'll need a specific Google Workspace account to enjoy them, and the following Workspace tiers are included:

• Business Starter, Standard, and Plus
• Enterprise Starter, Standard, and Plus
• Frontline Starter and Standard
• Essentials, Enterprise Essentials, and Enterprise Essentials Plus
• Education Standard, Plus, the Teaching & Learning Upgrade
• Workspace Individual subscribers

iOS users also miss out on annotations while presenting, even if they are Google Workspace subscribers, although they can make annotations as co-annotators. While Android users can make annotations in Google Meet, co-annotating is unsupported at the time. Google says the functionality will come in a subsequent update. 

For now, eligible Google Workspace users on a rapid release schedule started seeing the update on April 18, but it could take up to 15 days after that date for everyone to get the feature. Users on the scheduled release plan will start seeing annotations in Google Meet on April 25, and it could also take 15 days for all users to get the feature after that.

What you need to know

• Google is hosting its Cloud Next 2024 conference, and with that comes the introduction of "Google Vids."
• Google Vids is an AI-powered video creation app for Workspace users that enables them to create storyboards, choose templates, and select voiceovers.
• Several more generative AI features are preparing to arrive for other apps, such as Docs, Sheets, and Gemini in Gmail.

Google is hosting its Cloud Next 2024 conference where it got candid on new generative AI features for Workspace and the debut of a new app.

According to a Keyword post, the company introduced its newest Workspace app, "Google Vids." The announcement states that this "AI-powered" video creation app can help users generate storyboards with several options for editing and stylizing. Google Vids is also said to feature voice-over capabilities. Users can pick between pre-set voices or use their own.

If you're having trouble with styles, Google Vids offers a range of templates users can look through. The company states its AI software will suggest scenes from stock videos, images, and background music.

Since this is going into Workspace, users can add others to collaborate on the video. Google adds that users can "share projects securely" directly from their browsers. Google Vids is expected to arrive in Workspace Labs in June 2024.

Google Docs is preparing to pick up a new "tabs experience," according to the update post. The company states the new feature is designed to help users "organize related information" in a document. Better document customization is en route in the form of new cover images that extend the length of the page horizontally.

The company states this update to Docs will arrive "in the coming weeks."

Sheets is gaining new goodies for its table feature. Google says this update will make it easier for Workspace users to "format and organize" their data through its upcoming design refresh. A new array of templates will accompany this, making it easy for users to hop into a ready-made sheet without beginning from zero.

These updates for Sheets will appear "in the coming weeks" as well.

Gmail made a quick appearance with Google preparing to roll out an update to "Help me write" that brings voice capabilities. Gemini will be included in a coming update for Gmail as it delivers a way for users to turn their notes into an email. Gemini in Gmail is available through Workspace Labs but appears slowly as the company rolls it out.

Google states Gemini Enterprise, Business, and Google One AI Premium customers will be able to take advantage of these new tools.

Cloud Next 2024 showed Google's willingness to fine-tune some other areas of Workspace, starting with Meet. The company is planning on launching "Translate for me in Meet" in the next few months, which brings automatic detection and translation for captions. To go with this, Google is adding support for 52 additional languages.

It's worth noting that this will only be available to customers who purchase the new AI Meetings and Messaging add-on for $10 "per user per month." The company states this feature will arrive in June, and the add-on can be attached to "select" Workspace plans.

Lastly, "AI Security" is on its way to select Workspace plans as a $10 add-on. Google says the feature will let IT teams protect sensitive files for an entire company in Drive. AI Security does piggyback off Google's AI software. The AI is said to evaluate, classify, and protect files for users continuously.

AI security is available today (Apr. 9) for Workspace users.

What you need to know

• Google's markup feature in Google Docs now supports handwritten notes and drawings.
• Users can create handwritten notes in Docs on a touchscreen Android device, but can only view and delete them on the iOS app. 
• The feature is available to Google Workspace customers and personal Google accounts, and is starting to roll out now. 

Google is adding a key feature to Google Docs, and it's the ability to markup documents and files with handwritten notes. It's long overdue for people who prefer to write and draw digitally rather than type, and it is especially useful when editing, annotating, and giving feedback. However, the new markup tool only supports a limited number of devices that can use Google Docs, so it won't be ubiquitous. 

The good news is that, according to Google's press release, handwritten notes won't be exclusive to paying Google Workspace customers. It will be available to personal Google accounts as well as individual Google Workspace subscribers. However, when you start seeing the feature will depend on your release schedule for Google Workspace.

Once you open up the markup tool, you'll be met with basic pen and highlighter options, as well as an eraser. The default colors are black, blue, red, green, and yellow, but users can also pick their own from a color wheel. After that, users can draw or write in Google Docs with their fingers or a stylus. 

The only problem is that the platforms where you can use and access the handwritten annotation features are extremely limited. A touchscreen Android device is needed to create new handwritten notes, and an iOS device can be used to view or delete prior annotations. It's unclear whether handwritten notes will come to more Google Docs clients in the future.

There are a lot of Android devices out there, but Android represents only a portion of the operating systems that access Google Docs. There's iOS and iPadOS, of course, which are especially relevant due to Apple's dominance in the tablet market. Then there are the computing operating systems of macOS, Windows, and ChromeOS. 

However, the features will likely be appreciated by those who are able to take advantage of them. Handwritten notes and annotations in Google Docs are starting to roll out for rapid-release domains now, but it could take up to two weeks for them to show up. For scheduled release domains, they will be available starting March 11, and it could take up to two weeks after that for them to appear.  

What you need to know

• Google One announces it has removed its previous Duet AI Premium plan in favor of an "AI Premium" tier with Gemini Advanced.
• The plan will cost customers $19.99 a month and brings Gemini's AI capabilities to Docs, Gmail, and Slides, as well as 2TB of cloud storage and more.
• Google is also introducing "Gemini Enterprise" and "Gemini Business," which brings its 1.0 Ultra model to those working with loads of data and research.

Google highlighted three different areas for users to take better advantage of its AI capabilities today (Feb. 21).

According to a Keyword post, Google is getting rid of the old Google One Duet AI Premium plan for a new "AI Premium" plan. The company states that the rollout begins today (Feb. 21), which brings Gemini to Docs, Slides, Gmail, and Sheets. Users will be able to ask the AI bot for inspiration for creative emails.

Moreover, the post reiterates other Gemini magic, like drafting help in Docs and helping to create a presentation using your content in Slides.

The plan is available in over 150 countries in English. It will cost consumers $19.99 a month in the U.S. Additionally, users will receive Gemini Advanced, the 1.0 Gemini Ultra model, 2TB of cloud storage, and several more goodies.

The company adds those hesitant can preview the AI Premium with its available two-month free trial at no cost.

In a subsequent Workspace post, Google states it's also bringing Gemini to Enterprise and Business customers. This announcement brings the introduction of "Gemini Enterprise," which replaces the old Duet AI for the Google Workspace package. The post states those grabbing this add-on will gain generative AI features in Workspace apps like "help me write, organize, and visualize, and more."

Alongside this, Google is introducing "Gemini Business," which is stated to be available to "new and existing" Workspace customers.

The company's new "standalone chat experience" with Gemini will begin rolling out today and is built off the 1.0 Ultra model. Those in Enterprise or Business will find "enterprise-grade data protections" and administrative controls. Google states that whatever Enterprise or Business customers conversate with Gemini about will not be used for advertising or machine-learning material and will not be reviewed by a human.

More importantly, the Gemini Business add-on subscription plan is available through Enterprise. The company states it offers an array of Gen AI features but is "subject to monthly usage limits."

Several features like information validation, research, and chatting with Gemini (formerly Bard) can be done through its standalone web view. The rollout of Gemini Enterprise and Business begins today, but customers should give Google "several days" to complete the process.

What you need to know

• The improved experience is rolling out on Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
• Users can find and organize comments more easily.
• A curated “For You” list will allow users to focus on comments directed at them.

If you’re one of the many users who take umbrage with Google Workplace’s comments feature, then you’re in luck because comments have received a massive overhaul. The update, which is rolling out to rapid-release domain users, will impact Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides in a positive way. 

Here’s how things are changing. Moving forward, comments within Google Workspace apps will become easier to navigate. Therefore, you will be able to find, organize, and take action with ease. Not only is the experience for comments changing but so are features like comment cards and icons, per Google’s Workspace Updates blog. 

The biggest feature of the bunch is the new curated “For You” list. The list, which is housed in the larger comments tab, separates comments based on ones that you specifically need to take action on versus all other comments, which may be directed at other users within a collaborative document. As a result, clutter will be eliminated as the document will only showcase what you have been tagged with. 

From there, users will be able to take advantage of a new feature in expanding comments. By clicking on a comment, users will be able to expand the text, and it will float next to the content that it is being targeted toward. While “For You” is available across all three Workspace platforms, expanding comments will only work through Docs and Slides.

Users will also be able to minimize comments altogether through this new update. So, if you’ve had trouble focusing on the document at hand, you’ll be able to reduce the view of comments to simple icons. The icons will take the shape of the commenter via their initials or profile picture, depending on how their Google account has been modified. 

Users then need to simply hover over the icon in order to preview the information at hand. Hovering over the icon will showcase the comment, and from there, you can take action, including marking it complete or replying. Simply moving your mouse past the designated icon will once again hide the comment, and if you’ve taken action, then all you need to do is click away to go back to a more focused view. Note that this feature is only available for Google Docs and Sheets.

Finally, users will be able to hide comments altogether across Docs, Slides, and Sheets, thus returning the content to its “original” state, one without any markings.

All of these features make up the robust update, which is now being rolled out to rapid-release domain users. A full rollout will commence on March 1, with plans to have all users onboard within 1-3 days.

What you need to know

• At Bett 2024, Google announced new AI enhancements to Workspace for Education and Classroom.
• Google also confirmed that 15 new Chromebooks will launch over the course of 2024, focused on the education segment.
• Some of the features announced include Duet AI in Workspace for Education, along with tools for students.

There's a good chance that you haven't started thinking about the next school year, but Google is always looking forward. During the Bett 2024 conference, Google announced a slew of updates and features for students and teachers alike. 

Arguably the biggest announcement was the introduction of Duet AI in Workspace for Education and Google Classroom. This was originally announced at I/O 2023, before being rolled out to consumers in August. And now, Duet AI is available for teachers, allowing you to use generative AI to "get fresh ideas and save time." There's also a new landing page with various resources if you want to learn more about using AI in the classroom.

After rolling out the ability to "add questions to YouTube videos" previously, this functionality will soon get an AI boost. Instead of teachers needing to come up with what questions to ask regarding a video, Google will soon make it possible to "test out AI-suggested questions."

Not all of the new features announced are limited to teachers, as there will soon be deeper integration between Google Classroom and ChromeOS. Once the update arrives, students can view upcoming events and assignments just by clicking the Date on the Shelf. 

From there, students will be able to see what assignments are due soon, and even which ones have already been completed. Thanks to the "See All" button, students will be taken to a new browser tab where they can see more information, including grades for completed assignments.

Rather surprisingly, Google gave us a bit of a teaser, as the company states it's "launching 15 new Chromebooks in 2024, including six for Advanced Use and nine for Learning Anywhere." Unfortunately, no other details were shared, so we'll just have to wait and see what's in store from the likes of Acer, ASUS, and other Chromebook makers. It seems that at least a couple of these upcoming devices will fall under the Chromebook Plus branding, as "educators need high-power devices."

Considering that Chromebook announcements have been fairly sparse, as of late, it seems that won't be the case for too much longer. We're already expecting to see the ASUS Expertbook CX54 Chromebook Plus, which is the first Chromebook to be powered by Intel's new Core Ultra 7 chip. Hopefully, we won't have to wait too long to see more competition arrive and hit the market.  

What you need to know

• Google is making it easier to share files with people invited to a Google Calendar meeting.
• In the usual sharing dialog found in Google Drive, users will spot a new option for sharing documents with people invited to a Google Meet call. 
• Optionally, users can also attach files to the meeting card in Google Calendar for quick accessibility

Google Drive and Google Calendar are quintessential Google Workspace apps, and they're getting deeper integration with each other. A new feature will allow people to easily share documents and files in Google Drive with people invited to a Google Calendar meeting, the company announced in a blog post.

Previously, if you wanted to share something with invitees to a meeting, you had to share the file with each person individually. Alternatively, you could create a shareable link and send it to the invitees. But until now, there was no way to share a Google Drive file with all the people invited to a Google Calendar meeting.

Now, when you open up the share dialog on the document or file you want to send, scheduled Google Calendar meetings will appear. You can search them by their name as they appear in Google Calendar, and the results will show the date, time, and number of people invited. After you find the meeting you're looking for, you can hit Done to finish. 

However, the feature is twofold: You will also be able to see files shared with meeting members in Google Calendar. An optional checkbox called Attach to calendar event will appear after you've selected a meeting in the Google Drive share screen. When you check that option, shared files will be linked to the meeting invite in Google Calendar. 

If you attach a file directly to a Google Calendar meeting invite, Google will ask if you want to share the file with the attendees as well. This could avoid issues during the meeting of people not having appropriate access and permissions for needed documents. 

In order to share a file with invitees to a Google Calendar meeting, you'll need to be the owner or an editor of the document. Additionally, you must be a participant in the meeting if you want to share the file. So, if you want to share a file with a meeting that you aren't personally invited to, you will have to do so the old-fashioned way.

This new functionality is rolling out now but could take as long as two weeks to appear to users. Luckily, this feature is available to all Google Workspace users, even those using personal Google accounts. 

What you need to know

• The Smart Compose feature in Google Docs is now able to solve simple math problems as you type them. 
• The tool is rolling out now for Google Workspace business and education users on the rapid release schedule. Users with scheduled releases will see the feature starting Dec. 18. 
• Aside from Google Docs, the feature also works in Slides, Sheets, and Drawings. 

Google is using its machine learning tech to make Smart Compose in Google Workspace more powerful, it announced today. Now, when you enter a simple math equation in a Google Doc, Slide, Sheet, or Drawing, the Smart Compose assistant will automatically suggest the answer. It's rolling out now for paid Google Workspace business and education users, but not everyone will see the feature immediately. 

Smart Compose was originally released to help users write in Google Workspace apps, and it's based on Google's machine learning. That's not to be confused with "Help me write," which is Google's writing assistant with artificial intelligence. With both tools, Google warns that it cannot guarantee accuracy. 

However, the Smart Compose feature should be a lot more helpful with math than words. It's essentially looking for an equal (=) symbol in text with a preceding math equation. After Smart Compose detects the equation, it will use ML to solve the equation like a calculator would. But this happens almost immediately, as soon as you press the equals key. 

Like other Smart Compose applications, the solutions will be presented as a suggestion. That means it will appear greyed-out, and users need to press the tab key to insert the solution. To ignore it, simply press the space bar instead.

Google says that the Smart Compose feature will work with "simple" math problems, and we don't know exactly what that means. However, Google's demo of Smart Compose solved an equation with multiple steps using the correct order of operations. 

The feature will be turned on by default for paid Google Workspace business and education customers. It's rolling out today for users whose organizations are on rapid release schedules, but it can take 15 days for the tool to reach all users. Smart Compose won't start rolling out for users with scheduled releases until December 18 and won't finish until 15 days after that. 

Our Google Workspace account didn't have access to the new Smart Compose tools just yet. You can check to make sure Smart Compose is turned on by opening a document, clicking the tools tab, selecting preferences, and then looking for the checkbox that says Show Smart Compose suggestions. To stop seeing the suggestions, simply click the checkbox. 

Google says the new Smart Compose functionality "will increase productivity and accuracy when solving math equations across Workspace." This is probably true, but we suspect teachers and educators might not be thrilled with their students using this feature. Surprisingly, Google says there is no admin control over Smart Compose.

This feature won't be available in personal Google Workspace accounts, at least for now. 

What you need to know

• Google plans to use artificial intelligence in Google Keep to help users create new lists.
• Code related to the feature was discovered in the latest update to the Google Keep app.
• 9to5Google even managed to activate the feature, giving us our best look yet at how Google will use AI in the Keep app. 

Google may be gearing up to release an AI-based feature in Google Keep, according to findings in the latest version of the Google Keep app. Like other similar AI features from Google, the Google Keep app will be able to generate a list based on text entries from a user. 

9to5Google discovered the references to this new feature in version 5.23.462.05.90 of the Keep app, which Google just started rolling out to Android users. But the team also managed to activate the upcoming tool in the Google Keep app, giving us our best look yet at what the feature might look like. Seeing that the feature could be enabled in the current Keep version, it's possible that this new feature might come very soon.  

First, there's a popup that appears once the feature has been enabled that explains how it works. The AI tool is called "Help me create a list," and that fits in line with Google's other AI features. For example, the AI text generation tool in Google Docs is called "Help me write." Google Keep's AI feature is also part of Google Workspace Labs, which is where Google is testing experimental features.

Since the feature is part of Workspace Labs, there may be some privacy concerns users should be aware of. "To improve Google services, human reviewers may read, annotate, and process your Labs interactions data," the pop-up reads. Google instructs users not to include any personal information while using "Help me create a list" as a result. 

This new feature isn't available now, and we're not exactly sure when it could debut. However, we've been tracking rumors of an AI-based tool in Google Keep since October. Recent progress could indicate a release is nearing, but keep in mind that this experimental feature will likely have a slow rollout.

After you create a new note, they'll be an option to select "Help me create a list." When that option is chosen, you can enter instructions for the list in the text box. Then, Google Keep will use AI to generate a list based on your instructions. Google will use its training model to suggest items in a new list that relate to what you entered, but adds a disclaimer that Keep won't always get it right.

Google is rapidly expanding its AI features. The company has its flagship chatbot, Google Bard, and included a bunch of AI tools on the new Pixel 8 Pro. Just earlier this week it added a new generative AI feature to Google Sheets. Based on recent findings, Google Keep might be the next Google app to get the AI treatment. 

What you need to know

• Starting this week, Google Workspace users who subscribe to Duet AI can use Enhanced Smart Fill in Google Sheets.
• Enhanced Smart Fill uses artificial intelligence to detect relationships between cell columns in a spreadsheet, and suggest new entries with generative AI.
• The feature will only be available to Duet AI subscribers, which costs $30 per user, per month. 

Google this week released a new feature called Enhanced Smart Fill for Google Sheets, and it's exclusive to Duet AI subscribers in Google Workspace. The tool builds upon the existing Smart Fill feature, which was released in 2020. Most users won't be able to take advantage of it since Duet AI subscriptions are intended for business use, as evidenced by the hefty $30 per month/per-user fee. 

Google's latest offering uses artificial intelligence (AI) to determine whether there are relationships between the data entries in multiple cells. This is more advanced than the original Smart Fill feature, which could only detect patterns between cell entries. 

After identifying a relationship between data in columns, Enhanced Smart Fill can suggest new data entries based on "sentiment classification, combining and generating text, extracting specific text, formatting addresses, structuring phone numbers and emails, condensing text, and more."

Google included a few examples of how Enhanced Smart Fill can help save business time during data entry. One instance showed the feature generating the next steps for a business' sales cycle based on the customer details in a preceding column. Another saw it generate custom thank you notes for donors based on the details of their contribution in a separate column. 

This doesn't work completely automatically, though. Since Enhanced Smart Fill detects relationships, it will need at least a few completed columns and cells before suggesting what to fill in the remaining cells. Essentially, it's using the same type of generative AI we've seen in chatbots like Google Bard and ChatGPT. The difference is you can now access it straight from a Google Sheet. 

Enhanced Smart Fill is on by default for Duet AI users in Google Workspace. However, suggestions will need to be manually accepted by the user before taking effect in the spreadsheet. 

Google's latest addition to Duet AI joins a suite of existing generative AI features for paying Google Workspace customers. AI-based tools are also found in Gmail, Google Docs, Google Slides, and Google Meet as well.

What you need to know

• A new feature in Google Meet can detect when your physical hand is raised, triggering the button automatically. 
• The new way of raising your hand is rolling out now, but will only be available to users on select Google Workspace plans.
• This feature is turned off by default, but can be enabled in Google Meet settings. 

Google Meet will now be able to detect when you've raised your physical hand in front of the camera. Raising your hand for a few seconds will let the meeting host and participants know you're trying to speak, erasing the need to click an on-screen button. 

Google announced the feature via a blog post today, and it's rolling out to users now. Unfortunately, not everyone can take advantage of this new gesture. The hand-raising gesture detection will only be available for users on select Google Workspace business and education plans. At the moment, it's unclear whether this feature could be released to more users in the future. 

Gesture detection works exactly the same way as clicking the hand-raise button in the control bar on Google Meet. After you've raised your hand, a new icon will appear above your camera feed that's visible to others in the meeting. The short-loading icon will give you time to back out of the gesture, but it only lasts about a second or two. Then, the hand raise icon will appear to other participants, just like using the control bar button.

Notably, Google will automatically turn off gesture detection for the active speaker. That means people who use a lot of hand gestures while speaking won't be subjected to a bunch of errant hand raises during a meeting.

Gesture detection is turned off by default, and users will have to go out of their way to enable it in the Google Meet reactions menu. You can find the setting by clicking More options > Reactions > Hand Raise Gesture. This can only be enabled while you're in a Google Meet. 

Google doesn't have any tricks up its sleeve for lowering your hand, though. If you lower your hand while the loading icon appears, your hand will now be raised. However, once your hand is raised, you'll need to press the hand raise button manually to lower it. 

In order for the feature to work, Google says that one hand must be visible and should be away from the user's face and body. 

Gesture detection is rolling out now for Google Workspace business and education customers, but it could take a few weeks for some users to start seeing the new feature. 

What you need to know

• Google has updated its privacy policy to better protect your data when using the Duet AI side panel in Workspace apps like Gmail, Docs, and more.
• Your emails, documents, and spreadsheets will not be seen by human reviewers or used for product improvement unless they have been aggregated and/or pseudonymized.
• Google will keep Workspace Labs data for 18 months, and up to four years if it's been reviewed by humans.

Google is making Workspace even smarter with a new AI sidekick called Duet AI, a side panel meant to help you with all sorts of tasks.

Duet AI is already a bit of a know-it-all, but the new side panel is supposed to make it even more helpful. You can access it from the new icon next to your profile avatar in Workspace web apps, and it'll open a chat window where you can ask Duet to summarize emails and documents or even create presentations for you (via 9to5Google).

As Google prepares to test its new Duet AI side panel, it's updated its privacy policy to make sure your data is safe. These changes are meant to clarify how Google will handle your data when Duet AI starts doing more stuff.

Google says that your emails, documents, and spreadsheets won't be seen by human reviewers unless they're combined with other data and made anonymous. So don't include anything personal in your prompts.

The company also detailed the types of data it collects to help improve its Workspace Labs features. The data that Google gathers for Workspace Labs includes user prompts, user input (like highlighted text), Google-selected input (your documents and emails), and edits to prompts.

Google also keeps Workspace Labs data separate from your Google account for 18 months. If a human reviewer looks at or makes changes to the data, Google may keep it for up to four years.

Nonetheless, Google lets you leave the Workspace Labs program, although you might not be able to get back in once you opt out.

Duet AI made its debut at Google's I/O developer conference earlier this year, billed as a helpful collaborator for all your Google apps. With its imminent rollout across Workspace apps, Google is throwing down the gauntlet to Microsoft Copilot.

What you need to know

• Squarespace prepares to acquire Google Domains and all of its assets (customer domains) at the purchase price of nearly $180 million.
• The purchase is estimated to include roughly 10 million domains that Google has under its belt.
• Squarespace hopes to provide a seamless transition as it leverages Google's infrastructure.
• The transaction should wrap up by Q3 2023, however, the bulk of its benefits won't finalize until 2024 and beyond.

Google's domain registration days are beginning to head out as everyone engaging with the platform will soon find a new home. According to a Squarespace press release, the company has entered a "definitive agreement" with the Alphabet-owned company to acquire Google Domains and all of its assets. The purchase is said to include an estimated 10 million domains from millions of customers that Google is currently hosting.

A source familiar with the topic informed Bloomberg that the acquisition is priced at around $180 million.

As written in the terms of the agreement, Squarespace states it "will honor all existing Google Domains customers' renewal prices for at least 12 months following the closing of the transaction." The company will also try and incentivize adopting everything Squarespace has to offer customers during this time.

Both sides anticipate the transaction will be done by Q3 2023. However, the "majority" of the benefits as part of the deal aren't expected to be realized until 2024 and beyond.

"In keeping with our efforts to sharpen our focus, we have entered into a definitive agreement with Squarespace for the acquisition of customer accounts of the Google Domains registrar business," says Matt Madrigal, Google's vice president and general manager of merchant shopping.

"Supporting a smooth transition for customers over the coming months, with the help of the Google Domains team, is our top priority. Squarespace can provide an integrated experience of purchasing and managing domains along with offering other tools that these customers may need to build their online presence."

The "smooth transition" Madrigal mentioned in their statement about the acquisition is in regard to Squarespace leveraging Google's infrastructure. Furthermore, Squarespace will become the exclusive domain provider for customers purchasing a domain with their Workspace account directly from Google.

Squarespace states this will remain in effect for three years minimum.

This transaction means that Squarespace will shift gears and absorb all of the billing and support services customers may need with their accounts. Similarly, the company states users will also retain the ability to alter anything on their domain account.

What you need to know

• Google is beginning to roll out passkey support to Workspace and Cloud Identity users in an open beta phase.
• Admins must enable the function (which is defaulted off) for their users so they can skip entering a password and use their passkey instead.
• The roll-out begins June 5, but Google states users should give it at least 15 days to fully complete this process.

Passkeys, an optional security method for signing into your business account, is starting to include Google Workspace members and more. Google announced support for passkeys coming to Workspace and Cloud Identity users will begin today, June 5.

The company says passkeys lets users skip their passwords at the sign-in page for their Google account. Users can decide to sign in via their fingerprint, facial recognition, or other mechanisms across phones, laptops, and desktop computers.

Word to the wise: Google is rolling out passkey support for Workspace and Cloud users as an open beta test. This means admins can decide to enroll themselves and others without needing to find a specific beta program.

According to the official post, Workspace admins will find the passkey option off by default, meaning users won't be able to skip their password during sign-in. However, they can still create a passkey as a 2-factor authentication method.

When the feature is enabled, admins can allow their users to skip their password and hop directly into their desired passkey method. For the end user, Google explains you can visit g.co/passkeys to begin setting yourself up if your admin has enabled the function for your account.

Rapid and scheduled release domains will begin to receive this new open beta version of passkey support for Workspace and Cloud Identity users today. However, Google states users must allow up to 15 days for the rollout to properly complete.

The Mountain View-based company started rolling out passkey support to personal accounts across its vast ecosystem of online services early last month. This is all a part of Google offering a passwordless option where users can choose to use an alternative method — passkeys — to access their data. In short, passkeys are designed to be an efficient and convenient method of accessing accounts. Google has encouraged users to switch — in the name of security — but the choice is still entirely yours.

According to its data from March to April 2023, Google explained that passkeys are "2x faster and 4x less error prone than passwords." This security function is based on cryptographic protocols existent in Titan Security Keys, which are resistant to phishing and various other cyber attacks.

Similarly, Google rolled out passkey support to Android and Chrome late last year, as well. This rollout brought a different security function to phones as users could use their device to sign into an app or website on a nearby device without having to remember a lengthy password.

Still, as Android Central's Jerry Hildenbrand points out, there are still some problems with Passkeys that he hopes companies like Google can figure out. And while the idea of passkey and passwordless sign-in is an enticing one, he suggests you don't immediately jump to use the method if you can avoid it.

What you need to know

• Google Slides "Help me visualize" side panel is now rolling out to eligible users.
• The new feature was demonstrated during Google's I/O 2023 conference and is now available to trusted testers who've joined the Workspace Labs program.
• It allows you to pick a style that suits your Slides presentation, and the AI tool generates various designs that you can choose from.

As promised, Google is now packing Slides with a generative AI tool that helps users save time by automating certain tasks, such as generating images based on text prompts.

The search giant announced in a tweet that testers can now access a new "Help me visualize" side panel in Slides where they'll be able to enter a text description for the image they want the AI to generate. These AI-generated images can be used as custom backgrounds for presentations or as a contextual addition to a slide.

According to 9to5Google, the AI tool then allows you to select a style, such as photography, illustration, flat lay, background, or clip art. You'll then see up to eight designs in a single view, with the option to see more suggestions by clicking the "view more" button.

In Google's example, a text prompt reading "Giraffe standing in front of the Eiffel Tower. Beautiful watercolor" is entered in the right-hand panel. When you click the "create" button, the AI generates a nearly realistic image that corresponds to the prompt.

Google Sides' new generative AI feature works by using a large language model (LLM) to generate images based on a user's input. The tool, which is powered by Google's image generation models such as Imagen, is gradually becoming available to trusted testers who have signed up for the Workspace Labs program.

The generative AI feature is also available in a number of Google Workspace apps, including Docs and Gmail. In Docs, there's now a "Help me write" button that automatically creates smart chips in auto-generated content, so you don't forget to replace those variable fields with specific information, such as a company's name in a job description, for example.

While composing an email response in Gmail, you'll now see context-based suggestions. The AI analyzes your previous emails in the thread to write automated messages for you.

These generative AI features are still in development, but they are becoming more widely available. By automating tasks such as writing and creating images, Google's AI tool can free up our time to focus on more important things, though the company never fails to remind us of its flaws, such as inaccurate or inappropriate information.

Google I/O 2023 kicked off today, and there were quite a lot of exciting announcements at the event. While the keynote touched on just certain topics, there was still plenty to talk about, and many awesome new products and services were shown off.

It wasn't a short keynote, so to save you the trouble of having to sit through the full two hours, we are highlighting some of the biggest announcements from Google I/O so you can get excited with us (we'll still link the video at the bottom if you really want to watch it).

Artificial Intelligence is everywhere

As you might have guessed, AI was everywhere during the event, to the point where there's now a supercut of Sundar Pichai saying "AI."

During the event, Google announced a number of ways that AI will enhance its products, from the new Magic Composer in the Google Messages app to the cool new features coming to Google Maps and Photos. Google also took the time to highlight the new Duet AI-powered features arriving on Workspace apps like Docs, Sheets, Slides, and more. With these new features, Google can help users compose content, organize plans, and generate images from words.

And for those of you interested in trying out Google Bard, the company has now removed the waitlist, so now everyone can play with the upgraded chatbot. And while a standalone Bard app isn't happening, Google is integrating it into various apps and services like Adobe Firefly.

Google Search, supercharged

It's been long speculated that Google would integrate generative AI into Search to challenge Bing/ChatGPT. After all, AI has been a big part of Search for a long time (why do you think it's so good?). At I/O, Google revealed a new Search experiment that will let users test out its generative AI. This should allow Search to gain a better understanding of longer-form questions while providing an easy-to-read snapshot of important information that could potentially save you from constantly scrolling for the right answer.

The new Search experience isn't available yet, but you can sign up now for the waitlist through the Google app.

Android 14 and Wear OS 4!

Android 14 has been in beta for some time now, but Google talked a bit more about the upcoming update and more of the features we can expect. For instance, users are gaining more Material You customizations for your lock screen and wallpaper, and something called "Ultra HDR" should really make your photos pop. There are also a host of new privacy features, improved predictive back animations, and more.

Android 14 Beta 2 is already available for Pixels, and the beta Program is now open to even more Android OEMs.

But that's not all. Google also took the time to tease the upcoming Wear OS 4 update. With it, the company promises better battery life, improved accessibility features, better watch faces, and finally a backup and restore feature. Some long-awaited apps are also on the way, such as Gmail and Calendar.

We're still not sure what watches will be eligible for the update, which is a big question since Mobvoi is still having trouble with Wear OS 3. Hopefully, we'll get more information soon.

Google's Pixel Fold is finally coming

One of the most exciting hardware launches was the Pixel Fold. It had been rumored for some time, and after many leaks, the foldable is finally here. And it's gorgeous. Say what you will about foldable phones, but the Pixel Fold is truly a looker and might even put all the other foldable phones to shame.

The phone sports a Tensor G2 chipset, a wide 7.6-inch folding screen, a smaller 5.8-inch external screen, and a 48MP triple camera setup on the back. And thanks to Google's efforts to improve the Android experience on larger screens, Android 13 looks great and works great on the Fold, particularly when it comes to things like multitasking.

As the only folding phone to really challenge Samsung in the U.S., we can't wait to really put it through its paces to see if it's worth the $1799 price tag.

The Pixel 7a offers an incredible value

We were impressed by the Pixel 6a last year, but Google stepped things up quite a bit with the Pixel 7a. Sure, it's a smidge more expensive, but you're getting upgraded cameras, a new 90Hz AMOLED display, the flagship-level Tensor G2 chipset, and the same upgrade promise Google gives to its best phones.

There's a lot to like about the Pixel 7a, including its stunning Sea and Coral colorways, which really stand out. And at just $500, it really puts some other cheap Android phones to shame. Heck, it makes the iPhone SE (2022) look incredibly dated.

Pixel Tablet transforms your idea of a smart home hub

While we didn't get a new Nest Hub, Google launched literally the next best thing: the Pixel Tablet. It's an Android 13 tablet with an 11-inch display that does all the things you expect a tablet to do. But Google gave the tablet a new purpose by including a charging dock. This way, it transforms into a smart display, allowing you to control your smart devices while still being able to interact with your favorite apps.

The best part is that with Chromecast built-in, you can easily cast your content to the Pixel Tablet while it's in hub mode, making it easy to really jam out with the charging dock's powerful speaker.

Google Home gets a long-overdue overhaul

The Google Home app has been undergoing renovations lately, and Google is finally ready to reveal the newly improved app to everyone. With the update, Google Home is more visually appealing, customizable, and useful. You can now have your most-used controls front and center, so you don't have to dig to find your thermostat or lamp.

Camera support has been greatly improved, so not only can you bring your old Nest cameras into the app, but they're now as much as 38% faster in the Google Home app. Wear OS devices also gain new features, such as camera and door lock controls, enhanced notifications for doorbells, and more.

The new Google Home experience will roll out to everyone starting May 11.

Magic Editor is Google's next mind-blowing photo editing tool

There's a lot to love about Google Photos, but one new feature really blew our minds during the keynote. Google demoed "Magic Editor," which takes the Magic Eraser we know and love to another level. Instead of simply removing an object or person from a photo, Magic Editor will let you do things like make the sky brighter or move the subject from one position in the photo to another. It can really give your images a whole new look.

The feature will be available on "select Pixel phones" later this year for users to test the feature out and provide feedback. We hope it will eventually come to other Android phones like Magic Eraser did.

Find My Device gets an upgrade

Google is supercharging its Find My Device feature in order to help users locate devices, even if they're offline or don't support location services. Soon, the new Find My Device network will tap into other Android phones in order to locate a device that may be too far from you.

"The new Find My Device network will harness over a billion Android devices across the world to help you locate your missing belongings like headphones, tracker tags, or even your phone via Bluetooth proximity."

Google says it's also working with companies like Tile, Chipolo, and Pebblebee, who will be able to tap into the Find My Device network.

In addition, Google will also enable a new feature that will alert users if an unknown tracker is following them. This comes not long after Apple and Google announced a joint effort to tackle unwanted tracking.

There's still so much left to digest

Everything announced during the keynote was just the tip of the iceberg. Google I/O has tons of sessions and workshops that provide updates on other topics Google didn't talk about at the keynote or even give deeper insight into things that were talked about.

We'll be diving into these sessions to see what additional updates Google has in store for us throughout this next year.