Google Workspace Changes

Ability to direct custom avatars to take actions in videos.

Custom avatars in Google Vids can now be directed to perform actions such as walking, talking, or using objects via text prompts. Additionally, users can upload image references to place custom avatars in specific locations or include branded logos, all while preserving the avatar's appearance and voice.

New Gemini voice models for custom avatars.

Users creating custom avatars in Google Vids can now choose from over 30 voices powered by Gemini Audio, which offer increased expression, broader language support, and better steering control over speech delivery.

Expanded language support for AI avatars and voiceovers.

Google Vids has added support for 16 new languages, including Hindi, Arabic, Indonesian, and Russian, bringing the total number of supported languages for AI avatars and voiceovers to 24.

Expanded library of default AI avatar presets.

Google Vids has expanded its collection of default AI avatar presets from 23 to 53, featuring photorealistic, 3D cartoon, and graphic novel styles. These avatars are powered by Gemini Audio to provide more expressive, realistic, and conversational tones.

Google Calendar is expanding event coloring options to include up to 200 custom colors.

Google Calendar is increasing its event coloring options beyond the previous 11 predefined colors. Users can now choose from 24 default colors or define their own using an RGB color picker on the web and via the Calendar API, allowing for up to 200 custom colors for individual events across web and mobile apps.

AI note-taking is now available in Google Voice to record, transcribe, and summarize phone calls.

Google Voice has introduced an AI-powered note-taking feature that allows users to record and transcribe calls, summarize key points, and organize action items. These notes are sent via Gmail and stored within the Voice app. The feature includes an audio disclosure for participants and is available for Google Workspace customers with Voice Standard and Voice Premier add-ons, or Voice Standard standalone plans, currently available in English.

Google Chat introduces a 'Discoverable' space setting for controlled membership requests.

Google Chat is adding a 'Discoverable' access option for spaces, providing a middle ground between private (invite-only) and open (anyone can join) settings. Discoverable spaces appear when users browse for spaces within their organization, but conversation history and messages remain private until a space owner or manager approves the user's request to join. This update is designed for groups like employee resource groups or project teams that want to be findable while maintaining a vetting process for membership.

Google Voice introduces Carrier Link to simplify adding phone numbers and calling plans from certified local carriers.

Carrier Link allows Google Workspace customers with SIP Link Standard and Premier subscriptions to easily integrate phone numbers and calling plans from certified local carriers, such as Tata Communications and Telefonica Global Solutions. By leveraging a pre-configured multi-tenant implementation of SIP Link, this feature simplifies the setup of cloud phone systems for small businesses, allowing them to make and receive calls with payment handled by the local carrier and minimal configuration required.

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

Google Vault now allows administrators to manage data retention and litigation holds for the Gemini app on web and mobile. Admins can create default and custom retention rules for finite or indefinite periods, as well as place litigation holds on specific organizational units or users. These Vault settings take precedence over Admin console and user activity settings, ensuring that data is preserved for regulatory and legal eDiscovery requirements even if users delete their conversations.

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

Google Meet has extended its 1080p HD video sending capability to meeting room hardware based on ChromeOS. Full HD video is automatically utilized when additional bandwidth is available and necessary, such as when the room is viewed on large screens in Spotlight mode, during 1:1 calls, when a participant pins the room's video, or when the meeting is being recorded. The system continues to automatically adjust video quality based on network constraints to ensure a smooth experience.

Google Drive introduces alignment approvals to allow document sign-offs without resetting the approval flow when edits are made.

Google Drive is introducing alignment approvals, a lightweight mechanism that allows teams to request and record document sign-offs without file changes resetting the approval flow. By unchecking the 'Require all approvers to review the same content' option in the request dialog, collaborators can continue making edits without resetting recorded approver decisions, though individual approvers retain the flexibility to manually reset their status if subsequent edits no longer match their expectations.

Gemini in Google Classroom now allows educators to convert rubric files and images into interactive rubrics.

Educators can now use Gemini in Google Classroom to convert rubric files and images, including .jpeg and .png formats, into structured, interactive rubrics directly within the assignment creation workflow. This automation reduces manual data entry and allows educators to edit the converted rubric before saving, helping maintain consistent grading standards. The feature is available in English for users over 18 and is managed via the Gemini in Classroom setting in the Admin console.

New native Apple MDM settings for iOS devices are now generally available in Google Endpoint Management.

Google Endpoint Management has introduced an expanded set of native Apple Mobile Device Management (MDM) settings, providing administrators with more granular control over iOS device configurations and security. These new settings span several categories, including Apps and Services, Safari, Device Features, Backup & iCloud Sync, Authentication, and Data Sharing, enabling organizations to harden the security posture for both corporate-owned and BYOD iOS devices directly from the Google Workspace Admin console.

Gmail threads can now be used as sources in Ask Gemini in Drive.

Ask Gemini in Drive now allows users to add Gmail threads as sources, enabling them to ground responses in a complete view of their business context across emails, files, and folders for more accurate and helpful insights.

Data loss prevention (DLP) policies for Google Calendar are now generally available.

Google Calendar now supports Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies, allowing administrators to protect sensitive information shared within event titles, descriptions, and locations. Admins can configure rules to audit, warn, or block the creation and updating of events containing sensitive data, such as credit card or national identification numbers. Users receive immediate feedback via pop-up notifications on the web or automated emails on mobile and API updates when a policy is violated.