Tag Archives: Google Calendar

View richer information about your coworkers directly in the sidebar for Google Chat, Calendar, Docs, and more.

Quick launch summary 

You can now find and view additional information about people within your organization, your Contacts, and more across additional Google Workspace products. This information includes: 

  • Contact information, such as phone number and email address,  
  • Team and manager, 
  • Office and desk location, 
  • Whether you’ve received email from them before, and more. 

This feature is already available for Gmail, and will now be available from the following products: Google Chat, Calendar, Docs, Sheets, and Slides.

Getting started 

  • Admins: To maximize this feature, it’s helpful to have user data fully populated across Google Workspace apps. Workspace admins can populate this data in a few locations: 
  • End users: There is no end user setting for this feature. Click “Open Detailed View” while hovering over a user’s information card, or select the Contacts icon in the side panel. Visit the Help Center to learn more about using Google products side by side. 

Rollout pace 

Availability 

  • Available to all Google Workspace customers, as well as G Suite Basic and Business customers 

Resources 

View richer information about your coworkers directly in the sidebar for Google Chat, Calendar, Docs, and more.

Quick launch summary 

You can now find and view additional information about people within your organization, your Contacts, and more across additional Google Workspace products. This information includes: 

  • Contact information, such as phone number and email address,  
  • Team and manager, 
  • Office and desk location, 
  • Whether you’ve received email from them before, and more. 

This feature is already available for Gmail, and will now be available from the following products: Google Chat, Calendar, Docs, Sheets, and Slides.

Getting started 

  • Admins: To maximize this feature, it’s helpful to have user data fully populated across Google Workspace apps. Workspace admins can populate this data in a few locations: 
  • End users: There is no end user setting for this feature. Click “Open Detailed View” while hovering over a user’s information card, or select the Contacts icon in the side panel. Visit the Help Center to learn more about using Google products side by side. 

Rollout pace 

Availability 

  • Available to all Google Workspace customers, as well as G Suite Basic and Business customers 

Resources 

View richer information about your coworkers directly in the sidebar for Google Chat, Calendar, Docs, and more.

Quick launch summary 

You can now find and view additional information about people within your organization, your Contacts, and more across additional Google Workspace products. This information includes: 

  • Contact information, such as phone number and email address,  
  • Team and manager, 
  • Office and desk location, 
  • Whether you’ve received email from them before, and more. 

This feature is already available for Gmail, and will now be available from the following products: Google Chat, Calendar, Docs, Sheets, and Slides.

Getting started 

  • Admins: To maximize this feature, it’s helpful to have user data fully populated across Google Workspace apps. Workspace admins can populate this data in a few locations: 
  • End users: There is no end user setting for this feature. Click “Open Detailed View” while hovering over a user’s information card, or select the Contacts icon in the side panel. Visit the Help Center to learn more about using Google products side by side. 

Rollout pace 

Availability 

  • Available to all Google Workspace customers, as well as G Suite Basic and Business customers 

Resources 

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap – September 21, 2021

New updates 


New look and feel for Workspace Updates email subscriptions 
Starting September 29, we're going to be improving the look and feel of the emails you receive when you subscribe to Workspace Updates. 
  • The emails themselves will be sent from [email protected], so be sure to update any inbox filters or labels you may have and check your spam folders if you don't immediately see them. 
  • Emails for the Workspace Updates Blog in non-English markets will update to this new format in the coming weeks. 
  • If you have any feedback about these emails after September 29th, please feel back to let us know in the linked form. 
Full rollout (1-3 days for availability). | Available to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google Accounts. | Workspace Updates Blog Email Subscription Feedback



Previous announcements

The announcements below were published on the Workspace Updates blog earlier this week. Please refer to the original blog posts for complete details.

Upgrade to the newest version of the Google Chat app
We’ve recently released a new version of this app. Users who are still on the older Chat PWA version and will see an in-app banner nudging them to upgrade by visiting chat.google.com. | Learn more.



Improved visibility in Google Meet on web
Google Meet on the web now automatically detects when a user appears underexposed and enhances the brightness to improve their visibility. | Learn more.



Control the ability to present to Google Meet from Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides with a new Admin setting
Admins can turn the ability to present from Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides directly to Google Meet on or off for their organization with a new setting. | Learn more.



One-click recommended actions in the Alert Center
In the Alert Center, Admins will see new one-click recommended actions for various alerts, which they can implement without leaving the Alert Center. | Available to Google Workspace Enterprise Plus, Education Standard, and Education Plus customers. | Learn more.



Improved Search In Gmail on Android
You can now quickly and easily filter email and search results on Android mobile devices to find the one specific email or information you’re looking for with new search filters. | Learn more.



New graphs for metrics over time in Meet Quality Tool
We’ve added detailed metrics over time for endpoints in Meet Quality Tool, which will help admins perform more advanced troubleshooting. | Learn more.



Perform refined email searches with new rich filters in Gmail on web
When searching in Gmail on web, enhanced search chips will provide richer drop-down lists with more options that help you apply additional filters. | Learn more.



Easily chat with meeting participants from a Google Calendar event
Within the Calendar event on web or mobile, you’ll see a Chat icon next to the guest list — simply select this icon to create a group chat containing all event participants. | Learn more.



Ability to mute all Google Meet participants at once rolling out to mobile platforms
Earlier this year, we announced the ability for meeting hosts to mute everyone all at once in Google Meet on desktops/laptop devices. This feature has begun rolling out to iOS devices, with Android availability coming later this year. | Learn more.



For a recap of announcements in the past six months, check out What’s new in Google Workspace (recent releases).

Easily chat with meeting participants from a Google Calendar event

What’s changing 

We’re adding an option that makes it easy to chat with meeting attendees directly from Google Calendar. Within the Calendar event on web or mobile, you’ll see a Chat icon next to the guest list — simply select this icon to create a group chat containing all event participants. Please note: this only applies to participants within your organization, external attendees are not included in the chat group.This makes it simple to chat with guests before, during, or after any meeting. 

Chat with event attendees directly from the Calendar event on mobile devices

Chat with event attendees directly from the Calendar event on mobile devices


Chat with event attendees directly from the Calendar event on web

Chat with event attendees directly from the Calendar event on web


Who’s impacted 

End users 

Why you’d use it 

Previously, the main way to communicate with Calendar event attendees was via email. However, there are times when Chat may be preferred to email for communication. For example, sending a message that you’re running late, or sharing resources with attendees not long before the meeting starts. Now, the email and chat options are side by side on the calendar event. This can help you quickly choose whichever form of communication you prefer, and start conversations with just a few taps. When combined with Chat suggestions, it’s always easy to communicate with event participants via chat. 


Getting started 

Rollout pace 

On the web: 

On mobile: 

Availability 

  • Available to all Google Workspace customers, as well as G Suite Basic and Business customers 

Resources

Material You, a new look and feel for Google Workspace apps, is rolling out now for Android

What’s changing

Beginning today, we’re rolling out Material You: a new design system for Google Workspace apps on Android devices. Material You features an updated, fresh look and feel for your apps, along with additional options for personalization. 

Some changes you’ll notice are:

  • updated navigation bars,
  • improved floating action buttons, and
  • use of Google Sans text for better readability in smaller font sizes



Who’s impacted

End users



Additional details

On Pixel devices with Android 12 or newer, you’ll have the option to match the colors of your apps to your device wallpaper for a more dynamic, personalized look.


To expand upon our existing accessibility support, Material You will automatically adjust contrast, size, and line width based on user preferences and app context. Pre-existing  color schemes, for example color-coded file types, folder colors, or for in-app warnings, will remain unchanged.



Availability across Google Workspace apps:

Gmail
These changes are available on Gmail version 2021.08.24 and newer.





Google Meet
These changes will be available on Meet version 2021.09.19 and newer starting September 19.




Google Drive
These changes are available on Drive version 2.21.330 and newer starting September 9.






Google Docs, Sheets, Slides
These changes are available on Docs, Sheets and Slides version 1.21.342 and newer starting September 1.




Google Calendar
These changes are available on Google Calendar version 2021.37 and newer starting September 20.



Getting started

  • Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
  • End users: On Android 12 and Pixel devices, you can view and select themes based on wallpaper colors applied by going to Settings > Wallpaper & style.

Rollout pace

  • Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility). 


Availability

  • Available to all Google Workspace customers, as well as G Suite Basic and Business customers
  • Available to users with personal Google accounts


Better understand how you’re spending your time in Google Calendar

What’s changing

You can now use Time Insights in Calendar, a personalized, analytical experience on the web, to see how your time is spent across meetings and collaborators.
Time Insights in Google Calendar appearing on the right side of a week view
Time Insights experience for an example calendar week view




Please note, you can only view Time Insights on a computer.

Who’s impacted

Admins and end users

Why you’d use it

With the changes to our working environments in the past year, some people have more meetings and may feel less control over how their work time is spent. Time Insights can show you this data, and help you plan your time better.

Additional details

With Time Insights, you’ll see information such as:
  • Time breakdown: Based on your working hours and the types of meetings you have
  • Time in meetings: Highlighting meeting-heavy days and time frames, as well as meeting frequencies
  • People you meet with: Showing who you spend the most time meeting with. You can also pin key stakeholders to make sure you’re keeping in touch with them. Hovering over an individual will also highlight the meetings on your calendar that include that person
This information is visible to you, not your manager—so you can assess how you’re spending your time against your own priorities.

If you manage other people’s calendars and have “manage sharing access” permission to those calendars, you can view their Time Insights.

Getting started

  • Admins: This feature will be ON by default and can be disabled at the domain/OU level. Visit the Help Center to learn more about turning Time Insights on or off for your organization. Please note, there is no admin control for Google Workspace Business Standard domains.
  • End users: There is no end user setting for this feature but users can close the right hand bar out of view at any time. Visit the Help Center to learn more about Time Insights in Calendar.

Rollout pace

Admin setting
End user feature

Availability

  • Available to Google Workspace Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Education Plus, and Nonprofits customers
  • Not available to Google Workspace Essentials, Business Starter, Enterprise Essentials, Education Fundamentals, and Frontline, as well as G Suite Basic and Business customers

Resources

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap – August 20, 2021

New updates 

Unless otherwise indicated, the features below are fully launched or in the process of rolling out (rollouts should take no more than 15 business days to complete), launching to both Rapid and Scheduled Release at the same time (if not, each stage of rollout should take no more than 15 business days to complete), and available to all Google Workspace and G Suite customers.


Block shares option added to Google Drive sharing emails
Last month, we announced that you could now block shares from another user in Google Drive. es from another user in Google Drive. Now, we're also adding the option to block a user from the sharing notification emails sent from Google Drive. With this addition, you'll be able to start the workflow directly from the email. | Learn more. 


Previous announcements 

The announcements below were published on the Workspace Updates blog earlier this week. Please refer to the original blog posts for complete details.

View more insights and take quick action on the Users, Domain, and Billing home cards in the Admin console
You’ll notice important notifications and improved guidance within the cards to help you easily take action on user, billing, and domain management activities on the Admin console homepage. | Learn more. 


Upload customized audio prompts and greetings to Google Voice automated attendant
You can now upload your own pre-recorded prompts and greetings when setting up an automated attendant at Google Voice, in addition to the standard text-to-speech voice ability you currently have. | Available to all Google Workspace and G Suite customers with Google Voice standard and premier licenses. | Learn more.


Easily customize theme colors in Sheets and Slides
Now it’s easier to find and select theme colors in Sheets and Slides. | Learn more.


Share where you’re working from in Google Calendar
Starting August 30, 2021, you’ll be able to indicate where you’re working from directly on your calendar. You can add a weekly working location routine and update your location as plans change. Starting August 18, admins will be able to control how the feature is used in their organization. | Learn more.


Limit external messaging to trusted domains in Google Chat
Now, you may choose to limit external chat to people in trusted domains for your entire organization, or set different policies for different OUs. | Learn more.


Dark mode for Google Chat on web
You can now enable dark mode for Google Chat on the web (chat.google.com) and the Google Chat Progressive Web App (PWA). | Learn more.


For a recap of announcements in the past six months, check out What’s new in Google Workspace (recent releases).

Share where you’re working from in Google Calendar

What’s changing

Starting August 30, 2021, you’ll be able to indicate where you’re working from directly on your calendar. You can add a weekly working location routine and update your location as plans change.
Settings in Calendar to select Working Locations based on days and times
Set where you're working in your Calendar settings


Calendar displaying a week with different working locations listed on the top of each day
Show your working location on your calendar


Starting August 18, admins will be able to control how the feature is used in their organization. Read more below.

Who’s impacted

Admins and end users

Why you’d use it

By showing others which days of the week you plan to be in the office, working from home, or working from another location, it’s easier to plan in-person collaboration or set expectations in a hybrid workplace.

Additional details

Anyone with free/busy access to your calendar can view your working locations. This can be turned off at any time in your calendar settings.

Getting started

  • Admins: This feature will be ON by default and can be disabled at the domain or OU level. If you’d like to disable this feature setting and prevent the onboarding promo from being shown automatically for your users, be sure to disable the setting in the Admin console before August 30, 2021. Visit the Help Center to learn more about turning working location off for your organization.
  • End users: Unless disabled by your admin, this feature will be OFF by default. You’ll be shown an onboarding dialog with the option to enable the feature starting on August 30, 2021. The feature can be enabled with the initial onboarding dialog or in your Calendar settings.
An onboarding dialog popup to help walk you through setting up your working location
Onboarding dialog to set up your working location

Rollout pace

Admin setting
End user feature

Availability

  • Available to Google Workspace Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Education Plus, and Nonprofits, as well as G Suite Business customers
  • Not available to Google Workspace Essentials, Business Starter, Enterprise Essentials, Education Fundamentals, Frontline customers as well as G Suite Basic customers

Resources

 

Use Google Assistant on more devices

Quick launch summary 

You can now use Google Assistant with smart displays and speakers, such as the Nest Hub Max. We previously announced that access to Google Workspace services from Google Assistant is generally available on users’ personal devices. 

You can access Google Workspace services, such as Google Meet or Calendar, using the Google Assistant on more devices, such as the Nest Hub Max.



Admins will need to enable Search and Assistant for these devices in order to ensure users can access Google Workspace data through Assistant. If Admins allow for the home devices, they can also specify if the device will require Voice Match or Face Match to authenticate. 

Getting started 


Rollout pace 


Availability 

  • Available to all Google Workspace customers, as well as G Suite Basic and Business customers 

Resources