Google Workspace Changes

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 Workspace administrators can now configure context-aware access (CAA) policies for Gemini Enterprise directly in the Admin console, selecting granular security attributes such as device security and location settings for both personal and managed devices. Admins can create policies that restrict access from specific geographic regions and reuse existing Workspace CAA policies for Gemini Enterprise. The feature is rolling out gradually to Rapid and Scheduled Release domains starting September 8, 2026, with completion by September 15, 2026, and is available for Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Education Standard, Education Plus, Frontline Standard/Plus, Enterprise Essentials Plus, and Cloud Identity Premium customers who have purchased Gemini Enterprise.

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.

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 Workspace administrators can now access comprehensive audit logs for Gemini Notebook in the Admin console, providing greater insights into how the application is used across their organizations. The update introduces full visibility into Gemini Notebook actions, allowing administrators to review usage and audit data access in the security investigation tool and audit and investigation tool. Administrators can track a wide range of user actions across multiple categories, including notebook visibility, user identity, IP address, and resource context. These audit logs can be exported and reviewed using BigQuery or accessed directly within the Admin console using the security investigation tool. These monitoring capabilities help administrators meet regulatory compliance requirements, understand collaboration patterns, and protect company data within their digital environments.

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.

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.

The Reply to email step automatically sends email replies preserving conversation history, useful for support, triage, and task tracking. Admins can disable the step and require end‑user approval when actions may share data outside the organization.

Building on the earlier introduction of custom instructions for Gemini in Google Docs, this update expands the feature to additional Workspace surfaces including Ask Gemini in Drive, Ask Gemini in Chat, and the Gemini side panel in Gmail, Sheets, and Slides. Users can set persistent preferences that Gemini respects across these apps, ensuring a consistent, personalized experience without needing to repeat instructions in every conversation.

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.

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 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).

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.”

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.