Google Labs has introduced an experimental AI agent called 'CC' that connects to Gmail, Calendar, and Drive to generate daily summaries and assist with tasks, available in early access for US and Canada users with a waitlist for prioritized subscribers.
Google experienced a significant outage affecting Google Drive, Google Sheets, Google Docs, and other Workspace services, with thousands reporting problems accessing files and services, prompting an investigation and temporary workarounds.
Google Drive now offers Audio Overviews for PDFs, allowing users to listen to 2-10 minute summaries generated by Gemini technology, enhancing accessibility and efficiency, initially available in English for certain Google Workspace tiers and subscribers.
Google's Gemini Deep Research tool can now access users' Gmail, Drive, and Chat data to enhance research responses, raising privacy concerns despite Google's assurances that data used for training AI is not derived from connected apps. The system employs multi-step research plans and is comparable to offerings from OpenAI and others, but users are cautioned to avoid sharing confidential information and not to rely on it for professional advice.
Gemini Deep Research now integrates with Gmail, Google Drive, and Chat, allowing users to incorporate their emails, files, and conversations directly into research and analysis, enhancing productivity and data cross-referencing.
Google has introduced an AI-based feature in Drive for desktop to detect and stop ransomware attacks early, but its effectiveness has limitations against evolving threats and data leak tactics.
Google now allows users to share Gemini Gems via Google Drive links, enabling easy collaboration and sharing of prompts and instructions, with the feature available for personal and Workspace accounts.
Google Drive has redesigned its document scanner editor with a new Material 3 Expressive update, featuring larger page previews, a new tools carousel, and improved navigation, enhancing the user experience on Android devices. The update is rolling out to all Google Workspace and personal Google account users over the coming weeks.
Google Vids, a web-based video editing tool previously exclusive to Google Workspace subscribers, is now available for free to all users. It offers basic editing features, templates, and integration with Google Drive, making it suitable for beginners and casual users. Paid subscribers can access AI-powered features like storyboard generation, AI voiceovers, and avatar creation. While not a professional-grade editor, Google Vids provides a user-friendly platform for simple video projects, with a generous free tier and compatibility across browsers.
Google has introduced a new shortcut button in Google Drive that allows users to easily open and edit videos using Vids, an AI-powered video creation tool, streamlining the video editing process within Workspace.
Google Drive now allows in-browser video editing through Google Vids, enabling users to trim videos, add text and music directly within the Drive interface, but access is limited to paid users and supported browsers, with certain file and duration limits.
Google has introduced a new Drive shortcut for Workspace users that allows quick access to Google Vids for editing videos directly from Drive previews, simplifying tasks like trimming and adding text or music. The feature, rolling out since August 21, can be disabled by admins and is part of Google's ongoing enhancements to Drive's video capabilities.
Google Drive for Android is rolling out a Material 3 Expressive redesign featuring a new search app bar, a darker list view, and updated UI components, starting with version 2.25.310.0, though the rollout is still limited.
Apple and Google are set to achieve record-breaking stock buybacks, reaching a combined valuation of a trillion dollars, highlighting their significant financial strength and market influence.
Google experienced a significant outage affecting Gmail, Google Drive, and other services, with reports of issues from users worldwide. The outage was acknowledged by Google and was resolved relatively quickly, although some services remained slow or affected during the incident. The company updated its status page to reflect the disruption, which impacted multiple Google services and possibly other unrelated apps.