Three new features have recently been introduced in Google Chat:

• Create Custom Sections: You can organize Chat conversations into custom sections. Custom sections are useful for scenarios in which users want similar conversations about a topic or project to be in the same location in the left-hand menu of Chat. 
  
  To make a custom section, go to the direct messages or spaces section in Chat > hover over the three dot menu > select Create new section > name the custom section > hit enter. You can add conversations from a direct message or space to a custom section by dragging and dropping it in from another section. 
  
  Learn more about creating custom sections.
  
  
   
• Name a Group Direct Message: In a group direct message, you can now name it without the need to convert it into a space.
  
  To name a direct message, Select a group direct message > click the chat name > Name this chat. 
  
  Learn more about creating names for group direct messages.
  
  
   

• Chat Board: You can pin your important messages, files, links, images, and videos in spaces and in direct messages with an individual or group with the Board tab in Chat. 

  To pin a message, open any conversation or space > click on Board > click the message you want to pin > More actions > Pin to board . 
  
  Learn more about chat board.
  
  

Availability

These features are now available for all UNLVMail (@unlv.edu) and Rebelmail (@unlv.nevada.edu) accounts. 

Gems, Deep Research, and Canvas are now available in the Gemini app, offering enhanced AI-driven customization, research capabilities, and collaborative content creation.

• Gems: Gems are customizable AI chat agents within the Gemini app that can be created to assist with specific tasks. They enable you to personalize an AI expert tailored to your unique needs. Learn how to install and create Gems.
• Deep Research: Gemini Deep Research helps you streamline tasks such as grant writing, lesson planning, and academic research by quickly analyzing information and generating comprehensive reports. This feature saves time and enhances the learning experience. To use Deep Research, start a new chat, click the Deep Research button, and enter a detailed query. Learn more about Deep Research.
• Canvas: Canvas lets you create, edit, and refine content collaboratively with AI assistance. It helps generate drafts, improve documents, and integrate AI-powered suggestions in real-time. You can start a conversation, click the Canvas button to begin a project, and receive detailed AI-driven feedback or edits. It’s also integrated with Google Docs for seamless export and sharing. Learn more about Canvas.

Availability

These features are now available for all UNLVMail (@unlv.edu) and Rebelmail (@unlv.nevada.edu) accounts. 

Learn more about Google Gemini.

The Poll app is now available in Google Chat, enabling faculty, students, and teams to gather feedback efficiently. Users can create polls with instant result visibility and customize them with options for multiple-choice responses or anonymous voting.

To create a new poll, type in /poll in any chat conversation and click enter. 

Availability

This feature is now available for all UNLVMail (@unlv.edu) and Rebelmail (@unlv.nevada.edu) accounts. 

Learn more about Creating polls on Chat.