Google Workspace Changes

Gemini in Google Sheets, previously available on the web and Android, is now rolling out to iOS devices. Users can tap the Gemini spark icon to ask questions about their data, generate analytical insights, and create charts, with suggested prompts like 'Summarize this table' and 'Analyze for insights.' Admins manage access via the general Gemini for Google Workspace setting, while end users see the feature by default. The rollout began October 15, 2026 for both Rapid and Scheduled release domains, with gradual availability over up to 15 days. It is available for Business Starter, Standard, and Plus; Enterprise Starter, Standard, and Plus; Education Add-ons (Google AI Pro for Education); and Consumer plans (Google AI Plus, Pro, and Ultra).

Starting October 19, 2026, Google Sheets users with access to BigQuery can leverage Gemini’s natural language capabilities to query, analyze, and visualize large datasets directly within Sheets. By asking questions like "What were total sales in the Northeast last quarter?" users receive answers based on the full BigQuery dataset, can follow up for deeper insights, and instruct Gemini to build refreshable dashboards with charts, pivot tables, and formulas. The feature rolls out gradually over up to 15 days for both Rapid and Scheduled Release domains, and is available for Business Standard/Plus, Enterprise Standard/Plus, Google AI Pro/Ultra consumers, and Education AI Pro add‑on.

Admins can turn on external sharing for Gemini Notebook via the Admin console, setting controls at the domain, OU, or group level, and specifying Trusted Domains. This lets Classroom users create and assign notebooks even when teachers and students reside in different domains, provided those domains are marked as trusted and sharing with them is allowed. Gemini Notebook external sharing is off by default and can be managed through the Help Center.

Following the launch of teacher-led Gemini Notebook in Google Classroom, Google is introducing insight summaries powered by Gemini. Teachers can view an overall summary of how students engaged with assigned notebooks, a sample of common themes such as frequent questions, strengths, and suggested support areas, and individual student chat transcripts for additional context. This feature is only available for Gemini Notebooks assigned through Google Classroom, and students receive a notification that their conversations are visible to their teacher.

You can now export interactive apps built in the Gemini app directly to Google Sites. With one click, your app is added to a new, private site draft — fully interactive and ready to customize. From there, you can add more content, publish the site, and share it just like any other Google Site. This makes it easy to share your creations with team, customers, or students, with no code to copy and nothing to rebuild.

Meeting recaps in Google Chat deliver a concise post-meeting summary directly in the chat space, including a high-level overview, key decisions, assigned action items, and one-click access to the full Gemini meeting notes document, recording, and transcript. The feature works when 'Take notes for me' is enabled in Google Meet and an associated chat conversation exists, delivering the recap silently without notifications. Participants can delete the recap card, while the original notes remain in Google Drive. Admins can manage the feature via Gemini for Google Workspace policies, and it rolls out to Rapid Release domains starting October 16, 2026 (visible up to 15 days) and to Scheduled Release domains starting October 27, 2026 (also visible up to 15 days).

Starting October 15, 2026, Google is gradually rolling out Gmail Live to Rapid and Scheduled Release domains, offering up to 15 days for full visibility. Powered by the latest Gemini models, Gmail Live provides low-latency, inbox-aware voice search on Android and iOS, letting users ask natural‑language questions and hear synthesized answers with source email cards. Users can select their preferred voice, and the feature supports queries like order status, training deadlines, manager updates, and flight gates. It is available to paid Workspace editions (Business, Enterprise, Frontline, Nonprofits) and relevant Gemini add‑ons, initially limited to US users with EN‑US language.

Starting October 12, 2026, Google is rolling out AI Inbox to paid Google Workspace users via Rapid Release, with a gradual rollout up to 15 days for visibility. Scheduled Release domains will see the feature beginning October 26, 2026, also over a 15‑day period. AI Inbox surfaces suggested to‑dos by extracting action items, deliverables, and deadlines from email threads, and provides topics to catch up on with clear, context‑rich summaries of important discussions. The feature is available for Business Starter, Standard, Plus; Enterprise Starter, Standard, Plus; Education AI Pro; and Frontline Plus editions, initially limited to users in the US with EN‑US language. Admins have no control, while end users can access AI Inbox directly in the Gmail desktop client or mobile app menu.

Google Drive now supports previewing client-side encrypted (CSE) PDF and image files directly within the Drive interface, eliminating the need to download encrypted files to local devices for viewing. Authorized users can instantly preview encrypted content in their web browser, improving productivity while maintaining security. The feature is rolling out to Rapid and Scheduled Release domains starting October 15, 2026, with an extended rollout potentially longer than 15 days. It is available for Enterprise Plus, Education Standard and Plus, Frontline Plus, Assured Controls, and Assured Controls Plus editions.

The launch of skills in Google Workspace was initially planned to complete Rapid Release by October 12, 2026 and begin Scheduled Release on October 19, 2026. Due to a focus on safety and reliability, these rollouts have been delayed and a new timeline will be shared once confirmed. Skills in Workspace are available to Business Starter, Standard, and Plus; Enterprise Starter, Standard, and Plus; Education Add‑ons (Google AI Pro for Education); and Other Add‑ons (AI Expanded Access), restricted to users over age 18. Admin controls are documented in the Help Center, and end‑user guidance (including Classroom resources) is also provided.

While watching a live stream on an Android device, eligible viewers who have been invited to both the live stream and the main meeting can switch roles using the meeting title, live streaming badge, or the info button in the overflow menu. This in-app workflow eliminates the need to reopen join links or switch apps, and existing meeting access permissions and domain policies apply to ensure only authorized participants can join with media.

As announced, skills in the Gemini app are starting to roll out today (October 13, 2026) to both Rapid and Scheduled Release domains, with a gradual rollout expected to finish by mid‑November 2026. The feature is available to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google accounts. Upcoming capabilities include the ability to share Gemini app skills and an integration with Google Drive, which will be announced separately. There are no admin controls for skills in the Gemini app, but end‑user guidance is available in the Help Center.

Google Meet now offers a new 'Next steps' feature, powered by Gemini and Workspace Studio, that appears on the post-meeting screen when 'Take notes for me' is enabled. Users can automate routine actions such as drafting follow-up emails in Gmail or exporting action items to Google Tasks, with the ability to apply these steps across recurring meetings. Admins can manage the feature via Workspace Studio Admin settings, and rollout began October 5, 2026 for both Rapid and Scheduled release tracks.

Starting October 12, 2026, Google Meet calls on laptop web clients and meeting room hardware are protected by post-quantum cryptography (PQC) to defend against future quantum computer threats, with no visible changes to the user experience. The rollout is gradual over up to 15 days for both Rapid and Scheduled Release domains, and mobile support will follow soon. Administrators and end users need take no action.