Google Workspace Changes

Automatic room check-in for Google Meet now available on Android and iOS mobile devices using ultrasound proximity detection.

The feature, initially introduced to Rapid Release customers in Early Preview Rooms in January 2026, is now rolling out to all Google Workspace customers with Google Meet hardware. It uses ultrasound signals detected by the phone or tablet's microphone to automatically check users into a meeting room when they join in Companion mode, eliminating manual steps. Admins can enable or disable proximity detection at the room level, and users can still check in manually if needed. The rollout began on September 9, 2026 for both Rapid and Scheduled Release domains, with Android completion expected by September 10 and iOS gradual visibility up to 15 days (ending September 24).

Google Sheets now supports custom web fonts in charts, allowing users to select from the full Google Fonts library and improving font compatibility with Microsoft Excel.

Google Sheets adds support for the full Google Fonts web font library directly within charts. Users can select “More fonts” from any font dropdown in the chart editor sidebar to search, add, and apply custom web fonts to chart titles and subtitles, axis titles and labels, data labels, and legend text. The update also enhances import/export compatibility with Microsoft Excel, preserving custom fonts that exist in both platforms during file transfers. There is no admin control for this feature. Rollout begins September 1, 2026 for Rapid Release domains (up to 15 days) and September 21, 2026 for Scheduled Release domains (up to 15 days).

Google Chat now saves unsent messages as persistent drafts, syncing them across devices.

The new persistent drafts feature in Google Chat automatically saves unsent messages, allowing users to resume composing later on the same or different device. Drafts are stored per conversation and accessible via the compose box or a dedicated drafts shortcut, and are retained for up to 30 days. No admin or end‑user settings are required, and the feature rolls out to Web, Android, and iOS clients starting in September 2026.

Introduces the 1Password SaaS Manager integration for Google Chat, bringing notifications, actions, and approvals directly into Chat.

The new 1Password SaaS Manager integration for Google Chat allows teams to streamline IT and HR processes by receiving notifications, taking actions, and approving requests within Chat messages. Admins can install the app for users via the Google Workspace Marketplace, while end users need a 1Password SaaS Manager account to access it. The integration supports automated workflows for provisioning and deprovisioning membership in Chat spaces, enabling managers and approvers to act directly from interactive messages without switching tools. It is available now for both Rapid and Scheduled Release domains across all managed Google Workspace business or organizational accounts.

Google Vids now lets users turn Google Docs, PDFs, and Word files into video summaries using AI-generated scripts and narration.

Google Vids now allows you to transform static Google Docs, PDFs, and Word files into engaging video summaries. This new feature leverages AI to generate scripts and narration while providing custom visuals to bring your documents to life. Whether you are catching up on training material, meeting notes or reviewing lengthy documentation and reports, this tool is designed to make the process of digesting information effortless. By converting text-heavy files into concise videos, users can quickly grasp key takeaways through a more dynamic medium.

Google Meet hardware on Android/AOSP can now join Microsoft Teams meetings, and vice versa, in Early Preview.

The update introduces built-in interoperability between Google Meet hardware devices running Android/AOSP and Microsoft Teams Rooms, allowing users to join Microsoft Teams meetings from Google Meet hardware and Google Meet meetings from Microsoft Teams Rooms devices. Available in Early Preview for Rapid Release domains, the feature rolls out starting August 31, 2026, with completion expected by September 7, 2026 for Rapid Release, while Scheduled Release domains see a similar start date. Admins can disable the feature at the organizational unit level, and end users can follow Help Center instructions to join third‑party meetings.

Workspace Studio adds Move Drive file, Copy Drive file, and Send a Chat reply steps to automate Drive and Chat actions.

These new steps let users automatically move or copy Drive files and folders, and send formatted replies in Google Chat spaces and threads with Markdown support. Admins can disable individual steps and require end‑user approval when actions may share data outside the organization.

Google Pics is now generally available, offering AI-powered image creation and editing directly within Google Workspace.

Starting September 1, 2026, Google Pics becomes generally available for Rapid Release domains (with a gradual rollout up to September 16) and Scheduled Release domains (starting September 15, rolling out through September 30). It integrates AI image generation and precise object-based editing into Docs, Slides, Drive, and more, offering features like text‑to‑image generation, local element editing, text editing within images, cropping, upscaling to 2K/4K, version history, and collaboration, with usage limits through February 28, 2027.

Google Meet room hardware is transitioning from ChromeOS to Android (AOSP) while ChromeOS support continues unchanged through September 2030.

Google is shifting its Meet hardware portfolio to Android to accelerate feature delivery, broaden device choices, and increase flexibility, working with partners like Logitech, Neat, and HP Poly. Existing ChromeOS devices will remain fully supported with security patches and updates until September 2030, and manufacturing end dates for ChromeOS hardware are set for early 2027 (Logitech/CTL in Feb 2027, ASUS in Apr 2027).

Google Meet now lets presenters add a co‑presenter with one click via Gemini suggestions.

Previously, adding a co‑presenter in Google Meet required multiple manual steps. Now, Gemini intelligently suggests a co‑presenter in the Ask Gemini in Meet panel, and with just one click the main presenter can allow another user to co‑present their Google Slides presentation. The nudge appears only for the main presenter on Chrome or Edge when a participant uses a trigger phrase like “Can you please add me as a co‑presenter?” or “Next slide please.”

Preview client-side encrypted PDF and image files directly in Google Drive (beta).

Google Drive now supports direct file previewing for client-side encrypted (CSE) PDF and image files, enabling authorized users to view encrypted content in their web browser without needing to download the files. Admins with eligible Workspace licenses can sign up for the beta program, which is available for Enterprise Plus, Education Standard and Plus, Frontline Plus, Assured Controls, and Assured Controls Plus editions.

Gemini-based data classification in Google Drive is now available in open beta.

Gemini-powered AI classification in Google Drive is now available in open beta. It automates file identification and labeling, helping organizations enforce DLP policies, set retention rules, and use label metadata in audits. Admins can define instructions for Gemini models to classify files without manual training, retain control, and let end users review or modify labels. Metrics are available in the Admin console. Rollout to Rapid and Scheduled Release domains begins August 28, 2026, completing by September 30, 2026.

Google Calendar adds a per-event setting to suppress email responses to invitations and updates.

Google Calendar introduces a new per-event setting, 'Get an email when guests respond,' allowing organizers to suppress RSVP emails and automatic replies like out-of-office messages. When unchecked, organizers will not receive RSVP emails from Google Calendar or third‑party calendar attendees, and third‑party RSVPs won’t appear on the event, though Google Calendar RSVPs remain visible. The setting applies to the full series for recurring events. It rolls out gradually to Rapid Release domains starting August 28, 2026 (up to 15 days) and to Scheduled Release domains starting September 10, 2026 (1–3 days). The feature is available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual subscribers, and personal Google accounts.

Google Calendar now adds third‑party video conferencing links to the Location field for outgoing invites and shows a structured 'Join video call' button for incoming invites.

Google Calendar has been updated to improve interoperability with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Cisco Webex. For outgoing invitations, the conferencing URL is automatically placed in the event's Location field so external clients display it as a clickable button. For incoming invitations from external systems, Google Calendar extracts the meeting URL, ID, and passcode and surfaces a prominent 'Join video call' button on the event across Web, Android, and iOS. No admin controls are needed; the feature rolls out to Rapid and Scheduled Release domains starting August 27, 2026.

Google Classroom now supports Context-Aware Access controls, enabling admins to set granular security policies based on user identity, location, device status, and IP address.

Administrators can now configure Context-Aware Access policies for Google Classroom directly from the Admin console at the organizational unit or group level. This allows them to restrict access based on attributes such as geographic region, device security status, and IP address, integrating Classroom into broader Workspace security frameworks to protect sensitive school and student data. The feature is available immediately for both Rapid and Scheduled Release domains for Education Standard and Plus editions.