Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - May 8, 2026

May 8, 2026

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - May 8, 2026

Now generally available: Bulk import using client-side encryption and the Drive API
Previously available in beta, client-side encryption (CSE) customers can now conduct bulk migrations of sensitive files from both cloud and on-premises data sources.

Securely manage AI and agent access to Workspace data with the AI control center
Securely managing access for generative AI and agent actions to Workspace data is easier ever than before with the new AI control center in the Admin console.

Set custom instructions for Gemini in Google Docs
We are introducing the ability to set custom, persistent instructions for Gemini in Google Docs. These instructions ensure that Gemini adapts to your style, tone, and formatting preferences without needing to repeat them in every conversation, ultimately saving you time and ensuring consistency.

Require explicit consent for Take Notes with Gemini, recordings, and transcripts in Google Meet
We’re introducing a new feature that allows administrators to require explicit consent from meeting participants before automatic note-taking, recording, and/or transcription begins.

Turn your AI prompts into one-click tools using skills in Chrome
To streamline your workday, we’re launching skills in Chrome for eligible Workspace users. This feature allows you to save your most effective prompts and run them instantly with a single click, no matter where you are on the web.

Improvements to the Meet starter step and Calendar time-blocking capabilities in Google Workspace Studio
We’re introducing enhancements to the Google Meet starter step in Google Workspace Studio. As part of this, the step When a meeting transcript is ready has been renamed When meeting outputs are ready.

View the Google Meet live stream automatically if an adaptive meeting becomes full
We're making it simpler to join large Google Meet events. When an adaptive meeting reaches its maximum capacity for meeting contributors (those with camera, microphone, and screen sharing privileges), any additional users attempting to join the main call are automatically redirected to join the live stream instead.

Google Workspace Studio available in more languages
Google Workspace Studio has expanded its support to include seven new languages.

Improvements To Help Me Write in Gmail
Help me write in Gmail is evolving into an even more helpful partner that can pull in your natural voice and personalized context to get you closer to the perfect draft every time.