Google Chat Expanding Markdown Support, Gemini Summaries

Google Chat is getting a pair of updates with real-time Markdown formatting and more Gemini summaries.

Google Chat has long supported Markdown and graphical formatting options. The former is now being updated with real-time formatting instead of only converting after a message has been sent. Once you complete a section, it will get formatted, with that menu automatically appearing.

The messaging app is also adding code formatting and code blocks in the compose bar. This is rolling out now to all users.

Meanwhile, Gemini summaries in Google Chat are now coming to direct messages after just being for group conversations, spaces, or threads in the Home view. They will also now appear for read conversations, instead of just unread chats.

From the Home tab, click “Summarize” to get the bulleted synopsis. This is available for Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Standard, and Enterprise Plus.

In other Workspace news this week, enterprise users now have access to document and presentation upload in Gemini. You can analyze and summarize the following file formats:

Document files: DOC, DOCX, PDF, RTF, DOT, DOTX, HWP, HWPX
Documents created in Google Docs
Plain text files: TXT
Presentation files: PPTX
Presentations created with Google Slides

Rounding things out are some updates for Google Vids:

…enables users to add looping animations to text, stickers, and other shapes in their videos. Looping animations play continuously between enter and exit animations, allowing users to add extra emphasis or style to callouts, supers, and other elements in their videos…

There are also new AI voiceover options that “offer more natural and expressive voice overs that dynamically adjust pitch and tone to match your script.”