Google’s Cloud Next conference (late August 2024) introduced a slate of new cloud capabilities with a big focus on AI and security. In this recap, we highlight key announcements: Google unveiled enhanced AI tools for developers, like new machine learning models and an expanded Vertex AI platform, aiming to make building generative AI on Google Cloud easier. On security, Google introduced Anti-Malware Scanning for Cloud Storage and demonstrated using its Chronicle platform to hunt threats across cloud workloads. We explain how Google is integrating Duet AI (its AI assistant) into cloud operations to help write code and configure services. For IT readers, we break down how these Next ’24 updates – from confidential computing options to AI-powered cloud support – could simplify cloud management and improve security in their organizations.