Pre-configure Gemini app conversation history admin settings before they take effect

What’s changing

Starting today, Workspace admins can pre-configure the new Gemini conversation history admin settings before they take effect for their Gemini app users (expected by the end of May 2025). By default, “Gemini conversation history” will be ON and ”Conversation retention” will be set to 18 months (inline with current behavior). 

Generative AI > Settings > Gemini app > Gemini conversation history


Who’s impacted

Admins and end users

Additional details

  • If "Gemini conversation history" is OFF, chats are saved in user accounts for up to 72 hours. This lets Google provide the service and process any feedback. This chat activity won’t appear in a user’s Gemini Apps Activity.
    • Regardless of whether the Gemini app history is on or off, content in chats adheres to enterprise privacy and security protections as described in the Google Workspace Terms of Service. You can also learn more in the Privacy Hub. 
    • If you turn the setting from ON to OFF, existing user conversation history from before the setting is turned OFF is stored for the length of time specified by the "Conversation retention" setting.
  • This update will not impact your current Gemini app service setting.
  • This update will not impact Gemini in Workspace apps (e.g., Gemini in Gmail).

Getting started

  • Admins: 
    • Review and update the "Gemini conversation history" settings before we enforce these settings (expected by the end of May 2025). Visit the Help Center to learn more about configuring Gemini app conversation history settings for your users.
    • If no changes are made, the default settings will apply: “Gemini conversation history” set to ON and "Conversation retention” set to 18 months. Activity older than 18 months will be automatically deleted.

  • End Users: 
    • Users cannot override the Gemini conversation history settings configured by their admin.
    • These admin settings will override any individual user changes previously made to their Gemini Apps Activity settings (gemini.google.com or Gemini mobile app).

Rollout pace


We will publish a separate Workspace Updates blog post once we begin to enforce these settings, which is expected by the end of May 2025.


Availability

  • Available for all Google Workspace users with access to the Gemini app.

Resources


Dev Channel Update for ChromeOS / ChromeOS Flex

The Dev channel is being updated to OS version 16261.0.0 (Browser version 137.0.7137.0) 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

  4. Interested in switching channels? Find out how.


Luis Menezes

Google ChromeOS

Optimize IMA Android monetization with faster loading

IMA Android version 3.35.1 adds the ImaSdkFactory.initialize() method. This call begins loading necessary SDK resources before the first ad request, leading to faster load times. These changes can limit ad buffering, and help maximize ad impressions and monetization. Depending on the device, the loading process can take several seconds to complete.

We strongly recommend making the initialize() call as soon as possible after the app starts. This approach shortens the time to first frame for pre-roll ads, thus limiting the time users are waiting and increasing monetization potential.

For applications that implement these load time improvements, the following benefits show:

  • An average decrease of 0.25 to 0.5 seconds in time to first frame.
  • With larger decreases for TV implementations, up to a five second improvement.

The following diagram shows an app using the initialize() method call to load system resources before a user selects a video:

The ImaSdkFactory.initialize() call accepts an ImaSdkSettings instance. Use the same settings values that are used to create any AdsLoader instances in the app. For client-side and DAI for more information, see optimize IMA load time . If you have any questions, feel free to reach out using the IMA technical forum.

 - Jackson Sui, Interactive Media Ads Developer Relations

The GFiber App just got even better — more control of your internet service and home network in your hand

At GFiber, we’re always looking for ways to make fast, reliable internet even easier to use. That’s why we redesigned the GFiber App — to simplify how customers set up service, manage devices, and keep tabs on their network. The latest version is now live, and customers can download or update the app to get started.
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We’ve updated the user interface for a more intuitive experience that clearly reflects our commitment to simplicity and reliability. We've also introduced several new features, such as: 


greater visibility into home network performance, smarter device management, enhanced troubleshooting, and chat, content and video call support for customers
The app's redesign was shaped by customer feedback from user research and usability studies, which focused on making it easier, more intuitive, and delightful to use.

Redesigned for a smarter experience

We gave the GFiber App a fresh look and feel — one that better reflects our brand and makes everyday tasks simpler. Based on customer feedback, we added new features like video support, enhanced troubleshooting, and more visibility into network performance.

  • Streamlined navigation: A cleaner layout makes it easy to find what you need.
  • Smarter tools: Run speed tests, manage devices, and get help with just a few taps.
  • Helpful insights: Diagnostic tools and support options are more intuitive and actionable.


Bringing key features front and center

The redesigned app also makes it easier to find and access some of the most impactful features introduced over the past year. These tools not only improve internet performance but also provide greater transparency and control.

From sign-up to service



The GFiber App acts as a companion for a smooth setup experience right from day one. For in-home installs, technicians can help set up the app to optimize network performance. For customers who self-install, the app provides step-by-step guidance through every stage of the process — making setup simple and reliable, no matter how they get online.

Technician Tracker

Once the technician is en route, customers can see the location and ETA, making service appointments more predictable.


Network Health 


Customers using supported GFiber routers can now access the Network Health feature, which provides a real-time assessment of speed, coverage, and overall performance. They’ll also get actionable recommendations for optimizing their connection.

TechSee


Live video support gives customers the option to allow our customer support agents see connection issues in real-time and provide troubleshooting help without an in-person visit. 

Speed Test

The app now provides more details about your connection, distinguishing between: 
  • Speed to your home (wired test): Measures the speed from the GFiber network to your router (available on select devices).
  • Speed to your device (wireless test): Measures the speed from your router to your phone.
With these two tests, customers can see not just how fast your GFiber connection is, but also how their Wi-Fi network is performing – helping them optimize for the best experience.

Device Management 

For customers with a GFiber Wi-Fi 6E router — included with all new GFiber lifestyle products  (Core, Home, and Edge)  — the GFiber App provides a clear view of network activity and options to personalize settings, giving them greater control over how they use their internet.
  • See what’s connected: Check which devices are using your internet and view their Wi-Fi signal strength in real-time.
  • Custom naming and grouping: Devices can be organized easily by what’s important to you (like kids’ devices or type of device). 
  • Pause schedules and access controls: Internet access can be scheduled or paused for individual devices or groups of devices as needed.
  • Stronger security: Unknown devices can be easily blocked.
And this is just the beginning! The GFiber App is the center of our approach to make internet management simple and seamless for customers, and we’ll continue investing in ways to improve and evolve that experience.  

Posted by Sanjay Chatterjee, Head of Digital


Preparing Aotearoa’s workforce for the AI future

Image: Literacy Waitākere adult learners

AI presents a significant opportunity for economic growth and workforce transformation in Asia-Pacific. But many people don’t have the skills they need to make the most of this opportunity. In fact, according to a new report  from AVPN, a network of social investors, only 15% of people surveyed in the region have received AI training and most are unaware this type of training exists. This illustrates the critical need for the AI Opportunity Fund: Asia-Pacific, supported by Google.org. Our goal is to help everyone in the region unlock the opportunities of AI. 



Today, we’re introducing 49 social impact organisations that will receive funding from the first phase of the Fund, led by AVPN and supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), including Literacy Waitākere of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, to provide contextualized and localized AI training and resources to those who need it most.



Literacy Waitākere provides accessible programs for adult learners to develop critical literacy and digital skills, promoting lifelong learning and enabling pathways to employment and independence. 

Sue West, CEO of Literacy Waitākere said, "We see firsthand that many in our community risk being left behind as AI transforms our world. Our goal is to demystify AI for learners who are still building foundational digital literacy, and often have low or no formal qualifications and primarily use only their phones. This support from the AI Opportunity Fund: Asia-Pacific is crucial as it empowers us to extend our 'Digital Skills for Life' programme into essential AI literacy. We want to explicitly teach those in our community how to use AI tools effectively, how to craft good prompts, and, critically, how to evaluate AI outputs responsibly and safely.

Many employers will soon expect these skills, and AI is already impacting recruitment. We aim to equip our learners to not just find jobs or switch careers, but to thrive in them. By building their confidence and competence with AI, we’re fostering digital equity and preparing them to be assets in their workplaces. We believe this knowledge will create a ripple effect, as participants share their learning with families and communities, ensuring more people can navigate and benefit from the AI-powered future, leading to increased prosperity and inclusion for all."

To help even more people across Asia Pacific learn how to use AI, today Google.org is also announcing a $12M expansion of the AI Opportunity Fund, helping workers, small businesses and nonprofits make the most of technology in their communities. Interested organisations can find out more information here. Together with the first phase, the Fund aims to train 720,000 workers, 100,000 micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and reach 10,000 nonprofits in the region. 


A shift towards an AI-powered economy needs to be fair and inclusive, so all workers have the necessary knowledge and tools to participate. Through the AI Opportunity Fund: Asia-Pacific and our ongoing collaborations, we're committed to making sure everyone can benefit from the potential of AI.



Post content Posted by Annie Lewin, Senior Director for Global Advocacy at Google.org