Tag Archives: Rapid Release

Educators can now request access to third-party apps for their students

What’s changing

We’re introducing a new workflow that allows educators to request access to unconfigured third-party apps on behalf of their students.

Admins can allow educators and users who are over 18 years of age to request access to apps for themselves or on behalf of others (proxy requests). For example, admins may create a group of trusted users who are responsible for vetting third party apps and allow them to make proxy requests on behalf of students.




Educators can view a list of apps they have recently accessed with their Google Workspace account and request access for their students.




Admins can review and take action on these requests in the Admin console by going to Security > API Controls > App Access Control. Requests will be denoted with a “Proxy”  label when the request is made on behalf of another user. 




Once admins have configured access, they can opt to notify users and/or users who made proxy requests via email about the outcome of their request.




Who’s impacted

Admins and end users

Why it’s important

Administrators can now allow a group of trusted users to vet and request third party app access on behalf of other users. This allows admins to better control who requests access and create a more streamlined process for app approvals.

Rollout pace

Availability

  • Available for Google Workspace Education Fundamentals, Standard, Plus, and the Teaching & Learning Upgrade

Resources


Table reference improvements in Google Sheets

What’s changing

Since introducing tables in Google Sheets, we’ve made numerous improvements to ensure users are equipped with the tools they need to accelerate spreadsheet building. Table references, a way to refer to a table or parts of a table in a formula, are just one example of how tables reduce time spent manually formatting data. 

Today, we’re excited to announce updates to table references that enhance discoverability and usability. Specifically, users will now see: 
  • Improved table reference availability, which allows users to reference the items below across both single (e.g., =Table2[[#ALL],[Column 1]]) and multiple columns (e.g., =Table2[[#ALL],[Column 1]:[Column 2]] ): 
    • Full table columns, including column headers, data, and footers (#ALL) 
    • Table headers (#HEADERS) 
    • Table footers (#TOTALS) 
    • Table data, excluding headers and footers (#DATA) 
      Improved table reference availability
  • Formula suggestions, which help you identify formulas that could be more robust. For example, if a user types a working formula that overlaps with a table range, a table reference suggestion will show. 
Formula suggestions
  • Formula corrections for table references, which show a formula correction with a proper table reference when a formula is written incorrectly. 
Formula corrections

Getting started 

Rollout pace 

Availability

  • Available to all Google Workspace customers, Google Workspace Individual subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts

Resources 

Easily respond to comments and access requests without leaving Google Chat with the auto-installed Google Drive Chat app

What’s changing

Starting this week, the previously introduced Google Drive Chat app will be automatically installed and send you notifications about recent activity in Google Drive documents, such as new comments and share requests. Directly in Chat, you can now: 
  • Reply to or resolve comments in Docs, Sheets and Slides, which includes the ability to mention your colleagues easily while replying. 
  • Choose the appropriate access level (e.g. viewer, commenter, editor) for share requests. 
  • See when you’ve been mentioned in Docs, Sheets or Slides using Chat’s “Mentions” shortcut. 
  • Easily block a sender or report abuse from the Drive Chat app’s notifications when they come from a user outside of your organization. 
While this new app will be automatically installed, you can easily manage notifications, mute or uninstall the app at any time by going to the three dot overflow menu. 
responding to a comment using Drive Chat app


Getting started 


Rollout pace 


Availability 

  • Available to all Google Workspace customers and Workspace Individual Subscribers 

Resources 

Use Gemini in Google Docs to create unique images for your documents

What’s changing 

Following our introduction of uploading full-bleed cover images in Google Docs and AI-generated images in Google Slides with help me visualize, we’re launching the ability to create unique inline images and full bleed cover images using Gemini in Docs. 

These new image generation capabilities benefit from our latest image generation model, Imagen 3, our highest quality, text-to-image model. Now you can create photorealistic images of people, landscapes, and more with even better detail than before.

To create inline images for numerous use cases (e.g. a restaurant menu, marketing campaign brief, or promotional flier), simply type your prompt into Create an image, and Gemini in Docs will generate the image based on your instruction. Plus, you can decide the aspect ratio you want the image to be and choose a style like photography, water color and more. 

create an image in Docs with Gemini

You can further customize your document by creating a unique cover image using Gemini in Docs, which can add flavor to a résumé, stylize an invitation, or personalize a client pitch. 

create a cover image with gemini

Who’s impacted 

End users 


Why you’d use it 

The ability to generate unique images with Gemini in Docs empowers everyone, regardless of artistic skill, to create differentiated and visually compelling content. Now you can communicate ideas more effectively, without having to tirelessly search for the perfect image. 


Additional details 

Cover images can only be added to documents set to pageless mode, allowing the image to span the entire width of the document. To set up the more immersive experience of pageless mode, go to File > Page setup > Pageless or Format > Switch to Pageless format. 


Getting started 

  • Admins: There is no admin control for this feature. 
  • End users: 
    • To create a cover image, you can either go to Insert > Cover image > Help me create an image, or Type “@” followed by Cover image > Help me create an image. 
    • To add an image, go to Insert > Image > Help me create an image > type in an image description (optionally select a style for your image) > click Create > then, you will see generated options > select the one you like and it will be added to your document. 
    • Visit the Help Center to learn more about creating images with Gemini in Google Docs and adding a cover image to your document. 

Rollout pace  

  • Rapid Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on November 15, 2024
  • Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on December 16, 2024

Availability 

Available for Google Workspace customers with these add-ons: 
  • Gemini Business 
  • Gemini Enterprise 
  • Gemini Education 
  • Gemini Education Premium 
  • Google One AI Premium 

Resources

Respond to conversations without leaving the home view in Google Chat

What’s changing

Following the recent announcement of summaries in home and other features that help you find what you need much faster using home, we’re introducing the split pane in the home view. 

Using the split pane, you can now respond directly to a space, group or direct message without ever navigating away from the home view in Chat. 

replying in google chat home


Getting started 

  • Admins: There is no admin control for this feature. 
  • End users: 
    • To reply in the split pane view, simply click on a message and the split pane will open with the conversation. You can click on the expand icon in the conversation header if you wish to view that particular conversation in full screen. You can also toggle the split pane mode in the home header if you wish to completely enable/disable opening conversations in the split pane. 
    • Visit the Help Center to learn more about replying to Chat messages in home with the split pane view. 

Rollout pace 


Availability

  • Available to all Google Workspace customers and Workspace Individual Subscribers 

Resources 

Reference your Google Calendar using Gemini in the side panel of Gmail

What’s changing 

Since its introduction earlier this year, Gemini in the side panel of Gmail has helped many users generate, find and respond to information in their inbox. In addition, Gemini in Gmail has the ability to connect with other Workspace apps like Docs, Sheets, Slides and Drive, helping users complete tasks without ever leaving Gmail. 


Today, we’re excited to add Google Calendar to the list of apps that Gemini in Gmail connects with. Users can now ask Gemini in Gmail to perform calendar related actions or answer questions about their calendars such as: 
  • When is my [first event] next week? 
  • Create a [30 min] calendar event for my weekly [yoga class] every [Monday and Wednesday] at [9 AM]. 
  • Create a [1h] event for [lunch] [tomorrow] at [noon]. 
Using Gemini in the side panel of Gmail to ask Calendar to set up a personal yoga event


Who’s impacted 

End users 


Why you’d use it 

Via Gmail, Gemini can now help you: 
  • Create calendar events. 
  • Learn additional details about the existing events in your Calendar. 

Additional details

At this time, Gemini in Gmail cannot: 
  • Add or remove guests from events or create events by extracting information from an email. 
  • Pull up attachments or RSVPs related to a meeting. 
  • Find the best time to meet with other people or find time slots when you’re available to meet. 
  • Create tasks, an out of office, focus times or set working locations. 
  • Add or manage meeting rooms. 
When these features do become available, we will provide an update via the Workspace Updates Blog. 


Getting started 

  • Admins: To access Gemini in the side panel of Workspace apps, users need to have smart features and personalization turned on. Admins can turn on default personalization setting for their users in the Admin console. 
  • End users:
    • On web, you can access Gemini in the Gmail side panel by clicking on “Ask Gemini” icon in the top right corner of Gmail. 
    • This feature is only available in English at this time. 
    • While not required, just like gemini.google.com, you can invoke Calendar by adding "@Calendar" at the beginning of your prompt in the side panel of Gmail to explicitly call on Calendar. 
    • Visit the Help Center to learn more about collaborating with Gemini in Gmail. 

Rollout pace 

Availability 

Available for Google Workspace customers with these add-ons: 
  • Gemini Business 
  • Gemini Enterprise 
  • Gemini Education 
  • Gemini Education Premium 
  • Google One AI Premium 

Resources 

Upload Google Docs and other file types to Gem instructions

What’s changing 

Beginning today, you can upload reference documents, including Google Docs and Google Sheets via Google Drive, when creating Gems. By adding reference documents to your Gems instructions you can further tailor Gems to meet your specific needs. 


These file types include: 
  • Document and text files, such as TXT, DOC, DOCX, PDF, RTF, DOT, DOTX, HWP, HWPX and Google Docs 
  • Data Files, such as XLS, XLSX, CSV, TSV and Google Sheets


Who’s impacted

Admins and end users


Why you’d use it

Gems help you leverage the power of Gemini more efficiently and in a way that’s customized to your needs  by minimizing repetitive prompting. You can create Gems to complete specific goals, tasks, and workflows. This update further enhances this functionality by allowing you to create Gems that anchor to specific files, referencing these files as a source for more relevant responses. For example, you can upload:
  • Corporate style guides that instantly creates or refines brand-aligned copy for websites, email subject lines, or social media posts.
  • Project files to create a project specific assistant 
  • Internal documents which can be referenced at any time, such as how to best provide customer service based on a handbook or other best practices
  • HR documents to easily reference and find answers to common questions
  • Product specs and instruction manuals for quick troubleshooting
  • Customer feedback to easily identify trends and areas of improvement
  • Education standards to plan lessons and create content that align with your school’s needs
  • Grant research and notes to help accelerate the research process and drive innovation 

Additional details

  • Uploading files when creating a Gem will be available starting in English.
  • Gems will automatically recognize the latest updates to any Google Docs or Sheets added to the instructions. Other uploaded file content will need to be re-uploaded if any changes are made to the underlying file. 

Getting started

Introducing a refreshed library of high-quality Google Slides templates that elevate your presentations

What’s changing 

We’re introducing a new collection of modern, professionally designed templates in Google Slides to help users build presentations much faster. These new templates cater to a wide range of use cases that provide users with the perfect starting point for their presentations. For example, there are:
  • Sales pitches, product roadmaps and strategic plans templates for business users. 
  • Lesson plans, book reports and project reports templates for education users. 
  • Milestone celebrations, workshop facilitation and team game templates for anyone looking to build collaborative teams. 
Access these templates using the new "Templates" button in the Slides toolbar or by going to Insert > Templates. Once clicked, you can browse the collection, select a template that aligns with your vision and style, and choose to insert all slides or just the ones you need before personalizing the template with your own content. 

high-quality Google Slides templates


Who’s impacted 

End users 


Why you’d use it 

Slides templates enable users to jumpstart their presentation, maintain a consistent look and feel, and focus on what matters most. More specifically, they help users overcome the blank canvas and spend less time on design by enabling them to dive straight into crafting compelling content that is visually cohesive and professional. 


Additional details 

You can expect even more high-quality Slides template options in the coming months. 


Getting started

  • Admins: This feature will be ON by default for domains that do not have default templates & themes turned ON. Domains that have default templates & themes turned ON, will continue to see their company specific template. Visit the Help Center to learn more about default templates & themes. 
  • End users: 
    • In Google Slides, access templates using the top toolbar or by going to Insert > Templates. Visit the Help Center to learn more about templates in Google Slides. 
    • Note: This feature is only available for users using the "English (United States)" language setting. If your language settings are set to another form of English (eg - "English (United Kingdom)" or "English (Australia)", you will not have access to these templates. Visit the Help Center to learn more about updating your language. 

Rollout pace 

Availability 

  • Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts (using the "English (United States)" language setting) 

Resources 

Google Vids is now available for Google Workspace for Education, providing easy video creation for teaching and learning

What’s changing

Earlier this year, we announced Google Vids would soon empower educators and students to easily create and collaborate with video. Today, we’re excited to announce the general availability of Google Vids for Education Plus and Gemini for Workspace customers.

Vids can help deepen learning opportunities, up-level instruction, and inspire the next generation of storytellers in a variety of scenarios, for example: 
  • Educators can support diverse learning styles and help students retain information with instructional videos and deep dives on complex concepts. 
  • Students can work on video projects and review recorded lessons. 
  • Education leaders can easily incorporate video in their school newsletters and create internal training videos for staff. 
Similar to other productivity tools like Docs, Sheets, and Slides, Vids includes a simple, easy-to-use interface and the ability to collaborate in real-time and share projects securely from your browser. You can easily get started with a variety of templates organized by use cases to create a new video. From there, you can add motion with animations, transitions, and photo effects, and customize your video using the Vids royalty free education-friendly stock content library or your own media directly from Google Drive or Google Photos. Vids is also integrated with Workspace tools like Google Classroom, empowering educators to easily assign video projects or post video explainers right to their students. As detailed here, Google Vids is a core Workspace Service covered under the Google Workspace for Education terms of service. 

Users 18 years and older with a Gemini Education or Education Premium add-on will also have access to Gemini in Vids, giving them the ability to produce polished videos even faster with the help of AI. ‘Help me create’ can generate a fully editable initial storyboard using a prompt and a doc from your Google Drive. After choosing a style, Gemini pieces together your video draft with suggested scenes, including recommended stock media, text, scripts per scene, and even a background music track. 


Getting started 

  • Admins: 
  • End users: 
    • To start, open Google Vids and choose an option to create a new video. You can create a new video or make a copy of an existing video for editing. 
    • You can use Vids on your computer with the two most recent versions of these browsers: 
    • Dive into Google Vids with our free, self-paced online training course, designed specifically for educators and available now in the Google for Education Learning Center. You can also leverage this one pager to get a quick summary of what you can do with Vids. 
    • Currently, Vids is available in the user’s local language, but the AI features (e.g. Help me create a video, read-along teleprompter) and templates are only available in English at this time. 
    • Visit the Help Center to learn more about getting started with Google Vids. 
    • Note: Create and copy access is available for Education Plus and Gemini for Google Workspace customers, while view and collaborate access is available to anyone with a Google Workspace for Education license. 

Rollout pace 

Availability 

Available for Google Workspace: 
  • Education Plus 
  • Customers with a Gemini Education or Education Premium add-on 

Resources 

Announcing general availability of Google Vids: Our new AI-powered video creation app for work to help tell stories across your organization

What’s changing 

Earlier this year, we announced Google Vids, the newest productivity app in our suite of Google Workspace products. Vids is an AI-powered video creation app for work designed to help teams in customer service, learning and development, project ops and marketing tell more engaging stories at work through video. 

Today, we’re excited to announce the general availability of Google Vids for select Workspace editions. Here’s how you can use it:
  • Customer service teams are using Vids to provide better customer support, supplementing help center articles with videos. 
  • Leaders are creating vids to share company-wide updates and announcements. 
  • Learning and development teams are using Vids to deliver employee training and education at scale. 
  • Marketers are using vids inside their organizations to share recaps on their campaigns and events. 
  • Project management teams are building vids to share meeting recaps, business updates and report share outs. 
With Vids, you can easily build videos by tapping into the power of Gemini to help you get to a first draft faster using a set of generative AI capabilities. ‘Help me create’ can generate a fully editable initial storyboard using a prompt and a doc from your Google Drive. After choosing a style, Gemini pieces together your video draft with suggested scenes, including recommended stock media, text, scripts per scene, and even a background music track. 
                   





You can also start with a variety of use-cased based templates to create a new video. From there, you can add motion with animations, transitions, and photo effects, and customize your video using the Vids royalty free stock content library or your own media directly from Google Drive or Google Photos.

With ‘Help me create’, Gemini suggests scripts to get you started or you can write your own. You can easily add a voiceover by either choosing from one of Gemini’s preset AI voices or by recording your own voice using a teleprompter with Gemini read-along and rolling features that help you record your message with confidence. You can also use the Vids’ in-product recording studio to: 
  • Add a video recording of yourself. 
  • Add a screen recording with narration. 
  • Add a screen recording with video recording. 
  • Add audio-only recording.




Similar to other productivity tools like Docs, Sheets, and Slides, Vids includes a simple, easy-to-use interface and the ability to collaborate in real-time and share projects securely from your browser. 

In summary, Vids enables you to produce engaging videos that help scale your message, build connections and break through the noise across your organization.


Who’s impacted 

End users 


Why you’d use it 

We know that creating and editing video has felt challenging because in the past it has required special skills or licensing, but with Google Vids the power of storytelling is in your hands. Now teams can build and tell compelling stories at work, scaling and landing their message to engage coworkers in an effective way. 


Additional details 

While previously only available to Gemini for Google Workspace customers, with this launch Google Vids is expanding to select Workspace subscription plans. 

Users will have full access to AI-powered features* in Google Vids like "Help me create" and AI voiceovers until at least December 31, 2025. Usage limits for these AI-powered features may apply beginning in 2026. We'll notify you before any change goes into effect. 


To learn more about Vids features and capabilities for Google Workspace for Education customers, refer to this Workspace Updates Blog. 


Getting started

  • Admins: Vids will be ON by default and can be disabled at the organizational level. Visit the Help Center to learn more about turning Vids on or off for users and new core services coming to Google Workspace. 
  • End users: 
    • To start, open Google Vids and choose an option to create a new video. You can create a new video or make a copy of an existing video for editing. Visit the Help Center to learn more about getting started with Google Vids.
    • You can use Vids on your computer with the two most recent versions of these browsers: 
    • You can access our always-on resources in the Google Workspace Learning Center to learn what you can do with Google Vids. 
    • Currently, Vids is available in the user’s local language, but the AI features (e.g. Help me create, read-along teleprompter) are only available in English at this time. 
    • Note: View and collaborate access is available to anyone with a Google Workspace account, while create and copy access is available for select editions of Google Workspace and Gemini for Google Workspace customers. 

Rollout pace 


Availability 

Available for Google Workspace: 
  • Business Standard and Plus 
  • Enterprise Standard and Plus 
  • Essentials, Enterprise Essentials and Enterprise Essentials Plus 
  • Education Plus* 
  • Customers with a Gemini Business, Enterprise, Education* or Education Premium* add-on 
*Please refer to the following Workspace Updates Blog to learn more about Vids availability for Google Workspace for Education customers. 

Resources