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Updates worth knowing that don’t need a full story. Each one says why it matters and links to where it came from, usually the company or agency itself.

Tuesday 29 September 2026

AI at work

Google confirms October skills rollout, with different Gems transition dates for personal and work accounts.

Updated 4 October 2026: Skills are reusable custom instructions you can combine in a chat. Eligible Workspace apps begin receiving them on 5 October for Rapid Release accounts and 19 October for Scheduled Release accounts; the Gemini app rollout for work and school accounts starts 13 October. Skills do not sync between the Gemini app and Workspace apps. Personal-account Gems transition from November 2026. Business and enterprise Gems remain until at least 1 March 2027, and education Gems until at least 1 June 2027.

Why it matters: Remaining Gems will migrate automatically within the Gemini app, with supported files. Recreate skills separately in Workspace apps if your team needs them there.

Source: Google Workspace Updates: Skills rollout and Gems transition, 30 September 2026

Software & systems

Google says ChromeOS will get updates and security patches through mid-2034.

In an FAQ for IT administrators about Googlebook OS, its new operating system built on the Android tech stack, Google says ChromeOS devices will keep receiving regular updates and security patches through mid-2034. Current Chromebooks keep getting updates for their supported lifetime under Google’s Auto Update policy, and many newer models will be able to move to Googlebook OS. Google says Googlebooks are for personal use for now, with management tools for businesses and schools starting to roll out in the second half of 2027.

Why it matters: If you’re buying Chromebooks for staff, check each model’s Auto Update date. ChromeOS updates end in mid-2034; for qualifying devices supported beyond that, Google says it will support a move to Googlebook OS.

Source: Google

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