Tag Archives: Google Calendar

Now generally available: improved syncing experience between Google Calendar and third-party calendars

What’s changing

In June of 2024, we introduced an improved email notification experience between Google Calendar and third-party calendar services, like Outlook, via beta. Beginning today, this update is now generally available. 

Specifically, this update addresses feedback we’ve heard from our customers regarding the syncing experience from Google Calendar to third-party calendars. The syncing experience is now more reliable and gives recipients an effective way to filter out Calendar emails that may have cluttered their inbox.  
  • Google Calendar will send additional emails to improve event sync accuracy when users make updates to recurring events. 
  • Email notifications purely intended to sync information will display a banner in the email body with instructions on how to create inbox filters to hide similar emails, which can help to minimize clutter in recipients’ inbox.
  • At scale, Outlook system administrators can use Microsoft’s Powershell to implement an email filter rule for these messages for all users.


Additional details

With this release, we have also updated a user invisible email header, Envelope-Sender address (also called Return-Path or bounce) to improve reliability of DMARC alignment when delivering to third-party recipients.


Getting started


Rollout pace

  • Rapid Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on February 3, 2024
  • Scheduled Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on March 12, 2025

Availability

  • Available for all Google Workspace customers

Resources


Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap – January 24, 2025

1 New update

Unless otherwise indicated, the features below are available to all Google Workspace customers, and are fully launched or in the process of rolling out. Rollouts should take no more than 15 business days to complete if 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.




Improving event summary cards in the Gmail mobile app 
Following last year's announcement of purchase summary cards, we're excited to introduce updates to the summary cards for Google Calendar events that make it easier for you to find relevant event information directly in Gmail. Now, when you receive an event related email, such as a restaurant reservation or dentist appointment, an updated card will show above the email content. This card summarizes the most up to date event information from the email and lets you quickly complete event actions, such as adding the event to your Calendar, getting directions to the location, or calling the venue. | Rollout to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains is complete. | Available to Google Workspace customers, Google Workspace Individual subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about using summary cards in Gmail.


event summary cards in the Gmail mobile app

Previous announcements

There are no previous announcements to share this week. For a recap of announcements in the past six months, check out What’s new in Google Workspace (recent releases).


Completed rollouts

The features below completed their rollouts to Rapid Release domains, Scheduled Release domains, or both. Please refer to the original blog posts for additional details.

    Scheduled Release Domains: 
    Rapid and Scheduled Release Domains: 

    Assign Calendar resources to organizational units

    What’s changing

    Admins can now assign Calendar resources, such as rooms, projectors, or company cars, to specific organizational units. Upon doing so, the resource will be governed by the policies and settings of the assigned organizational unit (OU), including data location policies.


    Getting started


    Rollout pace


    Availability

    • Available for Google Workspace Enterprise Plus and Assured Controls customers

    Resources


    Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap – November 22, 2024

    2 New updates

    Unless otherwise indicated, the features below are available to all Google Workspace customers, and are fully launched or in the process of rolling out. Rollouts should take no more than 15 business days to complete if 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.


    Find files more easily with the Drive Android file picker
    In 2023, we introduced a streamlined file organization with the new Google Drive location picker on web. Now, we’re rolling out similar improvements to the Drive app on Android devices. This update will make it easier to find recently viewed Drive items and clearly see what other storage locations besides "My Drive" are available to you, such as items you have access to within shared drives. | Rollout to Rapid Release domains is complete; launch to Scheduled Release domains planned for December 2, 2024. | Available to all Google Workspace customers, Google Workspace Individual subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about how to use Google Drive. 
    Drive files on Android

    View tasks lists on the Google Calendar Android app 
    Last year, we introduced full screen tasks lists for Google Calendar on web, enabling users to see all their tasks and task lists in a single full screen view. This week, we’re excited to announce that this same functionality is now available on Android devices. This update makes it easier for users to stay on top of and organize their tasks, especially while on-the-go. | Rolling out to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains now. | Available to Google Workspace customers, Google Workspace Individual subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about Google Tasks.
    tasks lists on the Google Calendar Android app


    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.


    Easily respond to comments and access requests without leaving Google Chat with the auto-installed Google Drive Chat app 
    Starting this week, the previously introduced Google Drive Chat app will be automatically installed and send you notifications about recent activity in Google Drive documents, such as new comments and share requests. | Learn more about the auto-installed Google Drive Chat app.

    Table reference improvements in Google Sheets
    This week, we introduced updates to table references that enhance discoverability and usability. | Learn more about table references in Sheets.

    Educators can now request access to third-party apps for their students 
    We’ve introduced a new workflow that allows educators to request access to unconfigured third-party apps on behalf of their students. | Learn more about requesting access to third-party apps for students.

    Automatic framing is now available to everyone in Google Meet video calls, plus an improved experience when using virtual backgrounds 
    We’re expanding automatic framing to all users, as well as introducing an improved experience while using a virtual background. | Learn more about automatic framing in Meet.

    Add multiple multimedia files to a single message in Google Chat 
    Users can now upload and send up to 20 multimedia files (photos and videos) in one Chat message. | Learn more about sending multimedia files in Chat.

    More ways to get started quickly with building blocks in Google Docs 
    This week, we introduced a new collection of building blocks designed to help you manage important business workflows in Docs, including team task management, project tracking, hiring, and more. | Learn more about new building blocks in Google Docs.

    New file picker method for pre-selecting Google Drive files coming soon 
    Today, Google Drive developers rely on the drive.file scope and the Google Picker API to optimize user experience and safety when creating their applications. To make it faster and easier for users to provide applications access to specific Drive files, the Google Picker API will introduce a new method to the Class view called setFileIds(fileIds) in January 2025. | Learn more about the new file picker method for pre-selecting Google Drive files.

    Easily find and navigate your Google Chat conversations by organizing them into custom sections
    As we continue to enhance the user experience in Google Chat over the last year, we’re excited to announce that users can now organize Chat conversations into custom sections. | Learn more about custom sections in Chat.

    New Asus hardware kits for Google Meet
    Asus is launching new hardware room kits certified for Google Meet that now offer daisy chain capabilities. Developed with AVer, this refreshed room kit portfolio will work in video conferencing rooms and spaces of just about any size. | Learn more about Asus hardware kits for Google Meet.



    Completed rollouts

    The features below completed their rollouts to Rapid Release domains, Scheduled Release domains, or both. Please refer to the original blog posts for additional details.


    Rapid Release Domains: 
    Scheduled Release Domains: 
    Rapid and Scheduled Release Domains: 


      Reference your Google Calendar using Gemini in the side panel of Gmail

      What’s changing 

      Since its introduction earlier this year, Gemini in the side panel of Gmail has helped many users generate, find and respond to information in their inbox. In addition, Gemini in Gmail has the ability to connect with other Workspace apps like Docs, Sheets, Slides and Drive, helping users complete tasks without ever leaving Gmail. 


      Today, we’re excited to add Google Calendar to the list of apps that Gemini in Gmail connects with. Users can now ask Gemini in Gmail to perform calendar related actions or answer questions about their calendars such as: 
      • When is my [first event] next week? 
      • Create a [30 min] calendar event for my weekly [yoga class] every [Monday and Wednesday] at [9 AM]. 
      • Create a [1h] event for [lunch] [tomorrow] at [noon]. 
      Using Gemini in the side panel of Gmail to ask Calendar to set up a personal yoga event


      Who’s impacted 

      End users 


      Why you’d use it 

      Via Gmail, Gemini can now help you: 
      • Create calendar events. 
      • Learn additional details about the existing events in your Calendar. 

      Additional details

      At this time, Gemini in Gmail cannot: 
      • Add or remove guests from events or create events by extracting information from an email. 
      • Pull up attachments or RSVPs related to a meeting. 
      • Find the best time to meet with other people or find time slots when you’re available to meet. 
      • Create tasks, an out of office, focus times or set working locations. 
      • Add or manage meeting rooms. 
      When these features do become available, we will provide an update via the Workspace Updates Blog. 


      Getting started 

      • Admins: To access Gemini in the side panel of Workspace apps, users need to have smart features and personalization turned on. Admins can turn on default personalization setting for their users in the Admin console. 
      • End users:
        • On web, you can access Gemini in the Gmail side panel by clicking on “Ask Gemini” icon in the top right corner of Gmail. 
        • This feature is only available in English at this time. 
        • While not required, just like gemini.google.com, you can invoke Calendar by adding "@Calendar" at the beginning of your prompt in the side panel of Gmail to explicitly call on Calendar. 
        • Visit the Help Center to learn more about collaborating with Gemini in Gmail. 

      Rollout pace 

      Availability 

      Available for Google Workspace customers with these add-ons: 
      • Gemini Business 
      • Gemini Enterprise 
      • Gemini Education 
      • Gemini Education Premium 
      • Google One AI Premium 

      Resources 

      Introducing a new look and feel for Google Calendar on the web

      What’s changing

      Starting today, you’ll notice a refreshed user interface in Google Calendar that is in line with Google Material Design 3 and includes: 
      • Controls (like buttons, dialogs, and sidebars) that are more modern and accessible
      • Interface typography that uses Google’s custom-designed and highly-legible typefaces 
      • Iconography that is legible and crisp, with a fresh feel 
      We’re also introducing the ability to toggle between light mode, dark mode or device default theme options. This will provide you with a more comfortable, customizable viewing experience and can also reduce battery usage. 

      Calendar on web in light mode
      Calendar on web in light mode
      Calendar on web in dark mode
      Calendar on web in dark mode


      Additional details

      These updates are applicable across the entire calendar web experience, including the task list view. When using the tasks.google.com URL, you will be redirected to the refreshed user interface and have the ability to choose between light or dark mode. 


      Getting started 

      • Admins: There is no admin control for this feature. 
      • End users: 
        • To turn on dark mode in Calendar, go to the settings icon in the top right corner > Appearance > select Light, Dark or Device default. 
        • Visit the Help Center to learn more about using Dark theme in Calendar. 
        • Given this launch is a visual refresh to Google Calendar, it may impact the experience of installed Chrome extensions that are active when using Google Calendar. As a result, these extensions might not work as expected. We recommend contacting the developers of those extensions to report any potential issues. 

      Rollout pace 

      • Rapid Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on October 23, 2024 
      • Scheduled Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on December 2, 2024 

      Availability 

      • Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts 

      Resources 

      Expanding Google Workspace extensions available in open beta for the Gemini app

      What’s changing

      Earlier this year, we launched Google Workspace extensions for Gmail, Google Drive and Google Docs in open beta for the Gemini app. Beginning today, we’re pleased to announce that Google Calendar, Google Keep and Google Tasks are also available as Workspace extensions in the Gemini app.

      Who’s impacted

      Admins and end users

      Why you’d use it

      Extensions allow the Gemini app to interact with other Google apps and services, helping to provide more contextual and relevant responses to your prompts and take certain actions across apps. For example, you can use extensions to:

      Calendar
      • Create an event in Google Calendar based on specific details or based on your conversation with the Gemini app
      • Find events for a specific day, date range, or based on event details
      • Edit or cancel events in Calendar

      Tasks
      • Add reminders and tasks, including those based on your conversation with the Gemini app
      • View a list of your tasks and update your tasks

      Keep
      • Create notes and lists, including those based on your conversation with the Gemini app
      • Add an item to your existing list
      • Find content from your notes and lists
      • Reference your notes and lists in your conversation with the Gemini app

      Additional details

      • If your prompt includes multiple actions that require separate apps or services, but one or more of the required services are not enabled, neither of the actions will be completed. For example, if you prompt Gemini to create an event on your calendar and a reminder for that event but the Tasks extension is not enabled, the event will not be added to your calendar and you will not get a reminder.
      • As a reminder, during the open beta period, Context-Aware Access (CAA) for Gmail, Drive, Docs, Calendar, Keep and Tasks isn’t supported with Google Workspace extensions. Context-Aware Access gives you control over which apps a user can access based on their context, such as whether their device complies with your IT policy. Learn more about Context-Aware Access.
      • Google Workspace extensions is not available to Google Workspace users accessing Gemini as an additional Google service.
      • Note that Google Workspace personal content the Gemini app gets from extensions is not reviewed by anyone to improve AI models, not used to train AI models, and not shared with other users or institutions.

      Getting started

      • Admins: 
        • Google Workspace extensions in Gemini are OFF by default and can be enabled at the OU or Group level.
          • If Google Workspace extensions are already enabled, then the Workspace extensions for Calendar, Keep and Tasks will show up automatically for your users.
        • Visit the Help Center to learn more about turning Google Workspace extensions on or off for your organization. 

      • End users: If enabled by your admin, connecting Google Workspace allows users to summarize, get quick answers, and find information from Calendar, Keep and Tasks in addition to Gmail, Docs, and Drive directly in Gemini. Visit the Help Center to learn more about using Google Workspace extensions.

      Rollout pace


      Availability

      Available for Google Workspace customers with these add-ons:
      • Gemini Business
      • Gemini Enterprise
      • Gemini Education
      • Gemini Education Premium


      Resources


      Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap – September 27, 2024

      3 New updates

      Unless otherwise indicated, the features below are available to all Google Workspace customers, and are fully launched or in the process of rolling out. Rollouts should take no more than 15 business days to complete if 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.



      Use Gemini in Google Sheets to generate structured tables
      We’re excited to announce that users can now generate structured tables with Gemini in the side panel of Google Sheets. Prior to this update, tables were output as plain text ranges without set column types or structure. Now, Gemini can help you simplify and accelerate spreadsheet building by bringing format and structure to unorganized ranges through table generation. | Rolling out to Rapid Release domains now; launch to Scheduled Release domains planned for October 17, 2024. | Available for Google Workspace customers with Gemini Business, Enterprise, Education, Education Premium add-ons and users with the Google One AI Premium subscription. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about using tables in Google Sheets.
      Use Gemini in Google Sheets to generate structured tables
      Refreshed illustrations in the Google Calendar app on Android and iOS devices
      We’re introducing more modern illustrations for Google Calendar events like coffee, lunch or doctors appointments on Android and iOS. You’ll also notice updated monthly illustrations for background images in the schedule view on your mobile device or tablet. | Rolling out now to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains. | Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. 
      Refreshed illustrations in the Google Calendar app on Android and iOS devices

      New “Gemini Advanced” branding for Gemini for Google Workspace add-on users
      The Gemini app (gemini.google.com) will now display a "Gemini Advanced" label for users with a Gemini Enterprise, Business, Education, Education Premium add-on. This will better indicate to users the advanced capabilities of the app included in these plans. We're also updating this branding across our Help Center to better indicate which features and settings are specific to these add-ons. | Rollout to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains is complete. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about Gemini for Google Workspace.
      New “Gemini Advanced” branding for Gemini for Google Workspace add-on users

      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.


      Kickstart ideas, brainstorm activities, and differentiate content with the help of Gemini in Google Classroom 
      This week, we officially introduced a new Gemini Education tab in Classroom that grants quick access to numerous AI tools. | Learn more about Gemini in Classroom. 

      Introducing security advisor, a new set of tools and insights to help small businesses protect their organization against cyber attacks 
      To help small businesses, we’re introducing security advisor, a set of new insights and tools designed to enhance security for small businesses – including threat defense, account security, and data protection capabilities. | Learn more about security advisor. 

      Customize your Google Docs with polished cover images 
      We’re making it easy for you to personalize and differentiate documents with full-bleed cover images that extend from one edge of your document to the other. | Learn more about cover images. 

      Preview and test upcoming features on Google Meet hardware devices 
      Using the new “Feature preview” setting, specific Google Meet hardware devices can be configured to test upcoming features prior to general availability. | Learn more about testing Meet hardware features. 

      Gmail allows more senders to protect their brand using BIMI Common Mark Certificates 
      We introduced two additional updates for BIMI that will continue to keep inboxes safe: Gmail now supports Common Mark Certificates (CMC) and BIMI verified check marks are now displayed on Android and iOS. | Learn more about BIMI Common Mark Certificates. 

      Google Sheets tables are now integrated with conditional notifications 
      There is a new integration between conditional notifications and tables in Sheets. | Learn more about tables and conditional notifications. 

      Gemini in Gmail will now provide contextual Smart Replies 
      We’re excited to announce a new Gemini in Gmail feature, contextual Smart Replies, that will offer more detailed responses to fully capture the intent of your message. | Learn more about contextual Smart Replies.

      Completed rollouts

      The features below completed their rollouts to Rapid Release domains, Scheduled Release domains, or both. Please refer to the original blog posts for additional details.


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

      Create birthdays in Google Calendar

      What’s changing 

      Currently, Google Calendar automatically pulls in birthday information from Google Contacts. However, it is not currently possible to create birthday events directly in Calendar. 

      To ensure a birthday is never missed, we’re introducing the ability to create and modify birthday events in Google Calendar on Android devices. 

      For developers, newly created birthday events will be available in the Calendar API with the eventType “birthday.” Both Events.list and Events.watch will support the “birthday” event type filter and return “birthday” events by default. Only a subset of the event properties will be supported for birthday events. To learn more, see our developer guide about working with the birthday event type.

      Create birthdays in Google Calendar

      Who’s impacted

      End users and developers 


      Additional details 

      Birthday events do not support all event properties. If you’re using the Calendar API, we recommend reviewing your code so you don’t apply any non-supported properties. 

      Creating dedicated birthday events in Google Calendar will also become available on web and iOS devices in the future. 


      Getting started 

      Rollout pace 

      Web: 
      Mobile: 

      Availability 

      • Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. 

      Resources 

      New design and accessibility improvements for embedded Google Calendars

      What’s changing

      Users currently have the ability to add an interactive version of their Google Calendar to their website, and add buttons for their website visitors to save their calendar events.

      Starting today, you’ll notice a refreshed look and feel for embedded calendars that is in line with Google Material Design 3 and now includes: 

      • Enhanced accessibility features, such as the ability to use an embedded calendar with a screen reader and keyboard shortcuts to navigate more easily. 
      • Improved spacing to make text easier to read. 
      • A responsive layout that adapts to different screen sizes seamlessly. 
      Screenshot of update look and feel for embedded Google Calendars on web


      Getting started 

      Screenshot of update look and feel for embedded Google Calendars on mobile

      Rollout pace

      • Rapid Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on September 17, 2024 
      • Scheduled Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on October 7, 2024 

      Availability 

      • Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts 

      Resources