In early 2026, Google Workspace rolled out many new features to help you work smarter using the tools you’re familiar with.
We know that time is a precious resource for SMEs, so we’ve made a list of new useful tricks that can act like an extra set of hands for your business.
If you’re currently on the Business Starter plan, you’ve got the foundation. But as we dive into these features, you’ll see why Business Standard has become the “sweet spot” for SMEs.
1. Google Workspace Studio
This new app allows you to create custom AI agents for automation. “If this, then that” workflows integrate Gemini with Docs, Sheets, Gmail and Chat to handle tasks like report generation or email triage. No coding needed.
We have a great guide here to help you get started with Google Workspace Studio.
Currently limited* to 100 runs/month per user on the Starter plan; Upgrade to Google Workspace Standard to increase your limit to 400 executions and access advanced AI steps.
2. Ask Gemini in Meet
“Ask Gemini” in Meet rolled out to Business Standard (and higher plans) users in early 2026 to provide real-time AI assistance during calls. You can use it during meetings to summarise discussions, generate action items, or answer queries based on the live discussion. This can make your meetings more efficient, saving your team hours weekly.
You can try it with a click on the Gemini icon during your next Meet call (chats with Gemini are private to you).
3. Auto-Stop Google Forms
Google Forms now lets you set automatic stops based on dates, times, or submission counts. Define limits such as “close after 100 responses” or “end at 5 PM Friday,” to streamline surveys, registrations, and feedback collection. Responses halt precisely, reducing admin follow-up.
This works for all Google Workspace editions.
4. New Sheets Functions
New Sheets functions =SHEET() and =SHEETS() simplify multi-tab management.
=SHEET() returns the current sheet’s number (e.g., 3 for the third tab), while =SHEETS() counts all tabs in the file. You can use it to build dynamic formulas across workbooks without manual tab references.
Available to all users, including Starter, but Standard adds Gemini for Sheets to help you with data analysis.
Test in a new Sheet: =SHEETS() instantly shows your tab total.
5. Nano Banana 2
This is a game-changer for any small business since professional photography and graphic design can be expensive.
Here’s how this version compares to the previous generation:
- Nano Banana 2 uses Google Search Grounding. If you ask for a photo of a specific landmark or a niche product type, it checks the web to ensure the details are factually accurate.
- One of the biggest headaches with early AI was gibberish text. Nano Banana 2 can now render perfectly legible text in your images.
- The new “Subject Identity” feature can maintain the same character or object across up to 14 different images. This is a huge leap from the previous version, where a character’s face would change slightly with every new image generation.
The Business Starter plan allows for up to 20 image generations and edits per day with Nano Banana 2; the Business Standard plan increases your output to 100 images per day.
Maximising Value as a Google Workspace User
These updates prove that Google is committed to making AI useful for every organisation.
If you need help with enabling any features for your users or want to train your team to make the most of Google Workspace, we can help! Check out our latest Gemini training course or get in touch for a personalised training session.
*All limits mentioned in this article are valid as of 30/03/2026.
