Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap – January 16, 2026

A summary of announcements from the last week:

The announcements below were published on the Workspace Updates blog over the last week. Please refer to the original blog posts for complete details.

Set Google Forms to automatically stop accepting responses based on date and time or response count

Last year, we introduced a feature that gives Google Forms creators more control over who can respond to their forms via sharing settings. We are now improving how you can choose to manage responses in Google Forms by enabling you to set a close date or response limit for new responses. | Learn more about setting Google Forms to automatically stop accepting responses based on date and time or response count.  

Ingredients to Video in Veo 3.1 now supports portrait-sized clips in Google Vids

Today we’re announcing improvements to Veo 3.1 that allow you to generate portrait-sized clips with faster pace and engaging shots, all while delivering realistic audio and maintaining consistency of objects, characters, and backgrounds. | Learn more about Ingredients to Video in Veo 3.1. It now supports portrait-sized clips in Google Vids.

Automatic room check-in for Google Meet available on mobile devices

Mobile Companion Mode now supports automatic room check-in. Using ultrasound detection, your device pairs with room hardware to join meetings instantly, streamlining the process. | Learn more about Automatic room check-in for Google Meet available on mobile devices.

SecOps data connector now available for Google Workspace for Education Plus and Standard

We’re expanding the availability of the Google Workspace SecOps data connector to customers using Google Workspace for Education Plus and Education Standard. This feature was previously only available for our Enterprise customers. | Learn more about the SecOps data connector, now available for Google Workspace for Education Plus and Standard.

Editing password-protected Microsoft Office files directly in Google Drive

We're excited to announce a major improvement to Microsoft Office interoperability in Google Workspace: you can now edit Microsoft Office files that are password-protected, directly within Docs, Sheets, and Slides. | Learn more about editing password-protected Microsoft Office files directly in Google Drive.

Chrome Dev for Desktop Update

The Dev channel has been updated to 146.0.7635.3 for Windows, Mac and Linux.

A partial list of changes is available in the Git log. Interested in switching release channels? Find out how. If you find a new issue, please let us know by filing a bug. The community help forum is also a great place to reach out for help or learn about common issues.

Chrome Release Team
Google Chrome

Chrome Dev for Desktop Update

The Dev channel has been updated to 146.0.7635.3 for Windows, Mac and Linux.

A partial list of changes is available in the Git log. Interested in switching release channels? Find out how. If you find a new issue, please let us know by filing a bug. The community help forum is also a great place to reach out for help or learn about common issues.

Chrome Release Team
Google Chrome

Flow now available as an additional Google service for Workspace customers

Flow is an AI-powered filmmaking tool built with and for creatives, allowing users to transform simple ideas into high-definition videos in minutes. Today, we’re announcing that Flow is now available as an additional Google service with granular admin controls. This ensures admins can enable the right users to benefit from Flow’s capabilities while managing data and access according to their organization’s needs.

With Flow, users can:

  • Transform ideas into video: Turn natural language prompts into beautiful images and cinematic scenes that tell a cohesive story.
  • Create seamlessly: Produce images, clips, scenes, and stories using Google’s most capable generative AI models like Veo 3.1 and Nano Banana Pro.
  • Accelerate production: Move from a simple concept to a high-definition video in minutes.
  • Bring curriculum to life: Educators and students can transform complex subjects—like historical events, scientific processes, or literature summaries—into engaging videos using simple text prompts, making abstract concepts easier to visualize and understand.

Getting started

Rollout pace

Availability

Available for Google Workspace:

  • Business Starter, Standard, and Plus
  • Enterprise Starter, Standard, and Plus
  • Education Standard and Plus
Also available to: 

  • Google AI Ultra for Business add-on
  • Google AI Pro for Education add-on

Resources

Dev Channel Update for ChromeOS / ChromeOS Flex

The Dev channel is being updated to OS version 16552.5.0 (Browser version 145.0.7632.6) for most ChromeOS devices. 

If you find new issues, please let us know one of the following ways

  1. File a bug

  2. Visit our ChromeOS communities

    1. General: Chromebook Help Community

    2. Beta Specific: ChromeOS Beta Help Community

  3. Report an issue or send feedback on Chrome

Interested in switching channels? Find out how.

Andy Wu,
Google ChromeOS