Google Workspace round-up: 26 to 30 October 2026

Google added four features to Workspace this week. The most useful for offices: the Gemini app can now create and edit slides, sheets and documents in the chat, and Google Sheets shows where AI-filled data came from. There is also a new pivot table layout that helps when you swap Excel files with other companies. None of these need an admin to switch them on.

Gemini app: create and edit files in the chat

You can now ask Gemini to draft a slide deck, a tracker in Sheets, a Google Doc or a PDF, then preview and edit it without leaving the chat. Slides can be opened in Google Slides or downloaded as PowerPoint or PDF, and files can be saved to Drive. Google says it is available now to all Workspace customers and personal Google accounts.

Google Sheets: web sources for each AI-filled cell

When you use Fill with Gemini (the AI function) to fill cells, each cell now shows the web pages Gemini used, so you can check a figure before you trust it. One request can now cover up to 3,000 cells. It needs Business Standard or Business Plus, or a Google AI Pro or Ultra plan, and it reaches accounts over about 15 days from 20 October.

Google Sheets: compact pivot tables

Pivot tables can now use a compact layout, with all row fields in one indented column and small buttons to open or close each level. Excel files with compact pivot tables keep their layout when you open them in Sheets. It works on every Workspace plan and personal account. Some company accounts get it from 6 November.

Gemini app: interactive explorations

Gemini now has a library of interactive, layered explanations on topics such as how a jet engine works. It is aimed at students, but anyone with a Google account can open it at the explorations page in the Gemini app. It is in English and a few other languages.

What this means for you

1. Try the file feature for routine work, such as a first draft of a quotation layout or a sales tracker, then check the content before sending it out.
2. If staff use Fill with Gemini for prices, company details or market figures, ask them to click the sources in each cell and confirm the numbers.
3. If you trade Excel reports with suppliers, compact pivot tables now open the way they were made.
4. Business Starter users will not see the Sheets AI features. Check your plan in the Admin console under Billing.

How SyncTech can help

Planning to move your company mail and files into Google Workspace? Our Google Workspace migration service moves old mail across and plans the switch-over day. If you only need email, our web hosting with business email may cost less.

Source and credit

We are sharing this news from Google. This summary is written by Synctech in our own words.

• Create, preview, and edit files directly in the Gemini app, Google Workspace Updates, 29 October 2026: http://workspaceupdates.googleblog.com/2026/10/create-preview-and-edit-files-directly-in-the-Gemini-app.html
• Fill with Gemini now provides cell-level citations for web sources and supports larger requests, Google Workspace Updates, 28 October 2026: http://workspaceupdates.googleblog.com/2026/10/fill-with-gemini-now-provides-cell-level-citations-for-web-sources-and-supports-larger-requests.html
• Apply compact form layout for pivot tables in Google Sheets, Google Workspace Updates, 28 October 2026: http://workspaceupdates.googleblog.com/2026/10/apply-compact-form-layout-for-pivot-tables-in-Google-Sheets.html
• Immersive explorations now available in the Gemini app, Google Workspace Updates, 28 October 2026: http://workspaceupdates.googleblog.com/2026/10/immersive-explorations-now-available-in-the-Gemini-app.html

Retrieved 30 October 2026. Google, Google Workspace, Gemini and Microsoft Excel are trademarks of their owners. Synctech is not connected with them. This is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. If anything here is wrong, email support@synctech.com.my and we will correct it.