Learn about new and upcoming changes to Google Workspace apps, including tabs and cover images in Google docs, rating options in Google Forms, and improved contextual smart replies in Gmail.

Berkeley Lab staff can generally expect to see pending features become available in the weeks ahead. Jump to the summary to view the current status of features by announcement date.

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

Google is launching the ability to create unique inline images and full bleed cover images using Gemini in Docs. 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. 

Learn more about using Gemini in Docs to create images.

Respond to conversations without leaving the home view in Google Chat

With a goal to help you find what you need much faster using home, Google introduced 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.

Learn more about Google Chat’s split pane view.

More ways to get started quickly with building blocks in Google Docs

For the last few years, users have added building blocks, including custom blocks, to their Google Docs to quickly spin up email drafts, meeting notes, reusable templates and more. 

Google  introduced a new collection of building blocks designed to help you manage important business workflows in Docs, including team task management, project tracking, hiring, and more.

Learn more about the new building blocks in Google Docs.

Summary

Roll-out of Workspace updates to Berkeley Lab is determined by Google. We’ll do our best to maintain this list as the features are released but be aware that the status may not be accurate at all times. 

Updated November 25, 2024

Release Date	Feature	Availability at Berkeley lab
Nov. 19, 2024	More ways to get started quickly with building blocks in Google Docs	Now available
Nov. 15, 2024	Respond to conversations without leaving the home view in Google Chat	Now available
Nov. 14, 2024	Use Gemini in Google Docs to create unique images for your documents	Now available