Enhance Security and Trust: New Session Metadata in Sign in with Google

Google is enhancing Sign in with Google by introducing new OIDC standard claims—specifically auth_time and amr (Authentication Methods Reference) to provide developers with deeper session metadata. These updates allow verified apps to verify the "freshness" of a user's login and the specific authentication methods used (such as MFA or hardware keys), enabling more dynamic, risk-based access controls. By leveraging these federated identity signals, platforms can better prevent account takeover and fraud while implementing granular security policies like step-up authentication for sensitive actions.

Chrome for Android Update

Hi, everyone! We've just released Chrome 149 (149.0.7827.159) for Android. It'll become available on Google Play over the next few days. 

This release includes stability and performance improvements. You can see a full list of the changes in the Git log. If you find a new issue, please let us know by filing a bug.


Android releases contain the same security fixes as their corresponding Desktop releases (Windows & Mac: 149.0.7827.155/156, Linux: 149.0.7872.155) unless otherwise noted.

Harry Souders

Stable Channel Update for Desktop

The Stable channel has been updated to 149.0.7827.155/.156 for Windows and Mac and 149.0.7827.155 for Linux, which will roll out over the coming days/weeks. A full list of changes in this build is available in the Log


Interested in switching release channels? Find out how here. If you find a new issue, please let us know by filing a bug. The community help forum is also a great place to reach out for help or learn about common issues.


Daniel Yip

Google Chrome

Extended Stable Update for Desktop

The Extended Stable channel has been updated to 148.0.7778.271 for Windows and Mac which will roll out over the coming days/weeks.


A full list of changes in this build is available in the log. Interested in switching release channels? Find out how here. If you find a new issue, please let us know by filing a bug. The community help forum is also a great place to reach out for help or learn about common issues.

Daniel Yip
Google Chrome

Control whether your users can have temporary chats and delete conversations in the Gemini app

We’re introducing two new administrator controls for the Gemini app (gemini.google.com) that allow end users to manage their own chat activity. Admins can now configure whether users can use temporary chats and delete their conversation history.

  • Temporary chats allows users to have conversations that are not saved to their history.
  • Conversation deletion allows users to delete individual chats or their entire chat history.
These settings give organizations greater flexibility in managing data while empowering users to control their Gemini app experience.

Please note: If your organization uses Google Vault, Vault retention rules will always be honored if they are set up.

Getting started

  • Admins: These features will be ON by default and can be disabled at the domain, OU, or group level. Visit the Help Center to learn more.
  • End users: If enabled by your administrator, you can start a temporary chat or delete a chat directly within the Gemini app interface.

Rollout pace

Admin controls
End-user visibility

Availability

  • Available to all Google Workspace customers

Resources

Gemini in Chrome expands to more languages and regions, including Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East

Many of Chrome's latest AI features are rolling out to users in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and more. 

GIF showing Gemini in Chrome side panel


Gemini in Chrome empowers business and education users with AI tools that integrate seamlessly into their daily browsing workflows while maintaining strict data governance. It’s also available to users with personal Google accounts who can access the Gemini app.

Gemini in Chrome allows users to:

  • Get answers and insights: Summarize articles, clarify complex concepts, or find specific information based on the context of open tabs.
  • Generate content: Draft emails and social media posts, or create images directly in the browser.
  • Go live: Engage in two-way voice conversations with Gemini Live to brainstorm ideas or prepare for meetings.

Getting started

  • Admins: This feature is ON by default unless you’ve already disabled the Gemini app service setting or the Chrome Gemini setting. The feature can be turned on or off at the domain, OU, or group level. Refer to the Help Center or our previous announcement for information on the terms of service and privacy considerations for the feature.
  • End users: To access Gemini in Chrome, click the Gemini icon at the top of your browser. You must meet the criteria listed here. Learn more about using Gemini in Chrome here.

Rollout pace

Availability

  • Available to all Google Workspace plans, Workspace Individual subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts on ChromeOS, MacOS and Windows devices

Resources

Chrome Enterprise & Education Help: Gemini in Chrome
Google Workspace Admin Help: Turn the Gemini app on or off
Google Workspace Admin Help: Review Gemini usage in your organization