Tag Archives: Other

Changes to YouTube player embedded within Google Workspace for Education services

What’s changing

In June, we introduced updates to the embeddable YouTube player within Google Workspace for Education services. This included a new URL (www.youtubeeducation.com) for the YouTube player to serve embedded content within Google Workspace for Education services. 


As a result of this change, if your organization allowed or blocked YouTube videos within Google Workspace for Education services, you were asked to add “www.youtubeeducation.com” to these allowlists or blocklists. This preserved the way your organization used YouTube videos within Google Workspace for Education services, such as Google Classroom or Slides.


We are removing this feature while we evaluate performance and quality. As an immediate next step, if you updated your allowlist or blocklist to include "www.youtube.com", you’ll need to revert your allowlist/blocklist to include "www.youtube.com" as soon as possible to preserve the way your organization uses YouTube videos within Google Workspace for Education services. If you do not revert your allowlist/blocklist to include www.youtube.com as soon as possible, this could change your organization’s access to YouTube videos.

Getting started 

Rollout pace 

  • This change is now in effect for Classroom services. 
  • This change will be in effect for Slides, Sites, and Forms starting on October 30th, 2023. 

Availability 

  • This impacts Education Fundamentals, Education Standard, Education Plus, and the Teaching and Learning Upgrade 

Resources 

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap – October 20, 2023

4 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.


Multi-task using new split screen feature in the Gmail app on large screen Android devices 
Last year, we announced numerous improvements to the Google Workspace experience on large screen Android devices, which included multi-instance support on Drive, Docs, Sheets & Slides. We’re excited to introduce a similar feature for the Gmail app on Android tablets & foldables. With this update, you can now open links & attachments directly beside your email content when your device is in landscape orientation. 
  • Upon tapping a link (or attachment) in your email, the link (or attachment) will open on the right half of the screen and the email will move to the left half. 
  • You can control the width of each half or make one the full screen by dragging on the divider handle. 
This feature is now available to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google Accounts. | Learn more about 7 productivity apps for Android tablets and foldable phones. 
Multi-task using new split screen feature in the Gmail app on large screen Android devices

Add Google Groups to spaces in Google Chat 
Last month, we rolled out the admin controls for a new feature that enables space managers and users with the permission to manage members to add Google Groups to a space. Starting this week, end users can utilize this option and add Groups to spaces in Chat. | Rolling out to Rapid Release domains now; launch to Scheduled Release domains planned for November 1, 2023. | Available to all domain-verified Google Workspace customers. | Learn more about adding a Google Group to a space. 


Add emoji reactions to comments in Google Slides 
Last week, we announced the ability to add emoji reactions to comments in Google Sheets. We’re excited to announce this is now available for comments in Google Slides, increasing collaboration by enabling you to quickly and creatively express your opinions about presentation content. | Rolling out to Rapid Release domains now; launch to Scheduled Release domains planned for October 31, 2023. | Available to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google Accounts. | Learn more about using comments, action items, & emoji reactions. 
Add emoji reactions to comments in Google Slides

Respond to access requests for Google Workspace files more efficiently on Android devices 
Earlier this year, we introduced a new file access experience to make it easier for file approvers to respond to pending access requests across Google Workspace. We’re happy to announce that this update is now available on Android devices. Within a file (Docs, Sheets, Slides, PDFs, etc.), click the Share button > select the Review button in the new banner to view the access request(s) > respond to the request(s). | Rolling out now to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains. | Available to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google Accounts. | Learn more about sharing files from Google Drive. 





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.



Upcoming changes to third-party cookie requirements in Google Drive
Google Chrome and other browsers have begun phasing out third-party cookies in order to better protect user privacy. Starting January 2, 2024, Drive will start serving downloads without requiring third-party cookies that are embedded on third-party websites. | Learn more about third-party cookie requirements in Google Drive. 


Understand the impact of Context-Aware Access policies with Monitor Mode 
Admins can now use Monitor Mode to understand the implications of a Context-Aware Access (CAA) policy before deploying it to their end users. | Available to Google Workspace Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Education Standard, Education Plus, and Cloud Identity Premium customers only. | Learn more about Context-Aware Access policies with Monitor Mode. 


Use the space management tool to bulk delete Google Chat spaces 
Using the space management tool, admins can now delete multiple spaces within their organization at once. Over time, as more spaces are created, the list of spaces for an organization can become cluttered with abandoned and inactive spaces. | Available to Google Workspace Essentials, Business Starter, Business Standard, Business Plus, Frontline, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Education Fundamentals, Education Standard, Teaching & Learning upgrade, Education Plus customers only. | Learn more about bulk deleting Google Chat spaces. 


Subtly enhance your appearance with portrait touch-up when using Google Meet on mobile devices 
We’re introducing portrait touch-up in Meet, a new feature on mobile that enables you to lightly touch up your appearance from the green room before joining or during the meeting. | Available to Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Starter, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Education Plus, Teaching & Learning Upgrade, Google One and Google Workspace Individuals only. | Learn more about portrait touch-up in Meet. 


Map and sync system attributes of users from External Directory into Google Workspace 
Using Directory Sync, admins can map all the system or default user attributes, including custom attributes, from Microsoft Active Directory or Microsoft Azure Active Directory to Google Directory user attributes and synchronize them. | Learn more about Directory Sync. 


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:


Upcoming changes to third-party cookie requirements in Google Drive

What’s changing 

Google Chrome and other browsers have begun phasing out third-party cookies in order to better protect user privacy. Starting January 2, 2024, Drive will start serving downloads without requiring third-party cookies. 

If you have specific workflows in place that rely on Drive’s download URLs or use an app which relies on Drive’s download URLs, you’ll need to switch to the Drive and Docs publishing flows by January 2, 2024. Specific instructions are below. 


Who’s impacted

Admins, end users and developers 


Why it’s important 

Serving downloads without requiring third-party cookies will work to improve usability, security, and privacy for Drive users. 


Additional details

Learn more about how to audit your code to look for third-party cookies and what action you can take to ensure you're all set for the end of third-party cookies here. 


Getting started

  • Admins: There is no admin control for this feature. 
  • End users and developers: 
    • Use an iframe (HTML element that loads another HTML page within the document) on your website to load the content. You can do this by going to the file in Drive and taking the next relevant step: 
      • For Workspace files (Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms file types) use the Google Docs publishing URL of the file. 
      • For other files, once opened in Drive, select “Open in new window” from the overflow menu, and then open the overflow menu and select “Embed item…”, which provides the iframe HTML tag. 

Rollout pace 


Availability 

  • This impacts all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google Accounts 
 

Resources 

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap – October 13, 2023

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.


Add ratings using a new smart chip in Google Sheets 
We’re introducing a new smart chip in Google Sheets that allows you to add ratings to spreadsheet cells. Using the @-menu or Insert > Smart chips > Rating, simply select a number of stars (0-5) to indicate a preference towards an option, such as a feature request, vendor, or interview question. | Rolling out to Rapid Release domains now; launch to Scheduled Release domains planned for October 30, 2023. | Available to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google Accounts. | Learn more about inserting smart chips in your Google Sheets.



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.


Updates for exporting Google Meet hardware fleet data and bulk device configurations 
We’ve made three updates to the way admins manage their Google Meet hardware devices. | Learn more about the updates with Google Meet hardware. 

Book a conference room directly from a Google Meet hardware device 
To maximize the use of physical room resources and make it easier to find meeting rooms, you can now book an available conference room directly from a Meet hardware device. | Learn more about booking conference rooms from a hardware device. 

Full HD available for group meetings in Google Meet 
Earlier this year, we announced 1080p video resolution for 1:1 Google Meet calls. This week, we’re expanding 1080p to meetings with three or more participants. | Available to Google Workspace Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Starter, Enterprise Plus, Education Plus, and the Teaching and Learning Upgrade, and Workspace Individual subscribers only. | Learn more about full HD available for group meetings. 

Expanding Smart replies everywhere you receive messages in Google Chat 
Building upon recently introduced features in Google Chat, such as smart compose and autocorrect, we’re excited to announce that smart replies are expanding from direct messages to group messages and spaces on Chat on web. | Learn more about smart replies in Chat.

A more consistent experience for the guest list in Google Calendar 
We’re updating the way meeting attendees names are displayed in Calendar invites and invite updates sent via email. Going forward, you’ll see more names included in the calendar invite, including the names of those in your organization, and those guests whom you have interacted with previously. | Learn more about guest lists in Calendar.


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:

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap – October 6, 2023

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.


Add emoji reactions to comments in Google Sheets 
Earlier this year, we introduced the ability to add emoji reactions to existing comments in Google Docs. We’re excited to announce this is now available on comments in Google Sheets, increasing collaboration by enabling you to quickly and creatively express your opinions about spreadsheet content. | Rolling out to Rapid Release domains now; launch to Scheduled Release domains planned for October 19, 2023. | Available to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google Accounts. | Learn more about using comments, action items, & emoji reactions. 
Add emoji reactions to comments in Google Sheets


Filter by filter only fields and parameters with Connected Sheets for Looker 
We’re adding support for two additional field types for filtering in Connected Sheets for Looker: filter only fields and parameters. These new options will give you even more ways to explore the semantic layer of your data as you will now be able to recreate advanced filtering in Looker explorers or dashboards using Connected Sheets for Looker. | Rolling out to Rapid Release domains and Scheduled Release domains now. | Available to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google Accounts. | Learn more about filter only fields and parameters in Looker.


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.


Configure and bind multiple Android Enterprise Mobility Management providers 
You can now bind multiple Android enterprise mobility management providers (EMM) to your Google Workspace account. Previously, you could only bind a single EMM within your organization. This update gives you more control over how devices in your organization are managed. | Learn more about Android Enterprise Mobility Management providers. 

Configure Android zero-touch devices directly from the Admin console 
We’re integrating the Android Zero-Touch iFrame with the Admin console for a better, more seamless experience for admins. Zero-Touch devices are devices which have been purchased from Zero-Touch resellers and used in company owned mode. | Available to Google Workspace Business Plus, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Essentials Plus, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Education Fundamentals, Education Standard, Teaching and Learning Upgrade, Education Plus, Frontline Starter, Frontline Standard and Cloud Identity Premium customers only. | Learn more about Android zero-touch devices. 

New Google Calendar appointment scheduling features 
To improve upon the current appointment scheduling experience, we’re adding: five to fourteen minute appointment slots that are customizable and the option to hide or show Appointment schedules within the calendar view on web. | Available to Google Workspace Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Education Fundamentals, Education Standard, Education Plus, the Teaching and Learning Upgrade, Nonprofits, Workspace individual subscribers, and users with personal Google Accounts only. | Learn more about Calendar appointment scheduling features. 

Navigate to Chrome Browser management faster in the Admin console 
In the Admin console, we’ve added a dedicated category for Chrome Browser admin capabilities in the left-hand navigation menu. | Learn more about Chrome Browser management. 

Improved search results in Google Chat 
When searching in Chat, machine learning models will use the search term(s), most recent Chat conversations in direct messages and spaces, and other factors to help you find more accurate and relevant Chat message results. | Learn more about search results in Chat. 

Presented content will be captured in higher definition in Google Meet recordings 
For recorded meetings in Google Meet, we’re increasing the maximum resolution for shared content from 720p to 1080p. This will help ensure crisper text and visuals for presented content, creating a better viewing experience. | Available to Google Workspace Business Plus, Business Standard, Education Plus, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Plus, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Starter, and the Teaching and Learning Upgrade customers only. | Learn more about higher definition in Meet recordings. 

Build content quickly in Google Docs with instant access to building blocks and more 
We’re introducing new buttons at the top of your Google Doc that enable you to quickly insert building blocks for different types of content, such as meeting notes, email drafts and more, directly into your document. | Learn more about building content in Google Docs using building blocks. 

Allow users to install and run any internal app from Marketplace 
We’re introducing a new admin setting to control whether users can install and run any internal app from the Google Workspace Marketplace along with their allowlisted third-party apps. | Learn more about internal apps in Marketplace. 

Review and approve your Contacts delegates by November 12, 2023 
In May 2023, we announced several changes for Contacts delegates, specifically that they will be able to update labels and manage “Other” contacts. We’d like to share an updated timeline for this change and provide additional clarity around what’s required of users. As part of this change, you must review and approve your existing delegates by November 12, 2023 or they will lose their delegate status. | Learn more about Contacts delegates. 

New view in Google Drive shows recent activity in one place 
We’re rolling out a new view in Google Drive that shows all pending access requests, recent comments, and approvals for files to help you quickly see recent activity and take action, all in one place. | Learn more about activity in Drive.


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:




Review and approve your Contacts delegates by November 12, 2023

What’s changing 

In May 2023, we announced several changes for Contacts delegates, specifically that they will be able to update labels and manage “Other” contacts. We’d like to share an updated timeline for this change and provide additional clarity around what’s required of users. 
Between now and November 12, 2023, you’ll be prompted in Contacts to review your existing delegates.



Who’s impacted

Admins and end users


Why it matters 

For many of our customers, administrative support for managing inboxes is business critical — this includes making sure that contacts are properly sorted and labeled. Since updating labels and managing “Other” contacts are new functions for delegates, it’s important that you review existing delegates to ensure that access to these features is appropriate.


Additional details

Does this change impact Gmail delegation?
No — while similar functionality is available in Gmail, there are no changes or impact for Gmail delegates. This change is specific to Contacts and contacts delegates only.


Getting started

  • End users: 
    • Delegators:
      • You’ll see a prompt in Contacts to review those who currently have Contacts delegation for your contacts. 
      • Beginning November 13, 2023, those with assigned and approved delegation will be able to update labels and manage Other contacts on your behalf. If you do not submit your approval, delegates will lose their access.

Rollout pace

  • You must review and approve delegates by November 12, 2023

Availability

  • This update impacts all Google Workspace customers

Resources


Improved search results in Google Chat

This announcement is part of Google Cloud Next ‘23. Visit the Workspace Blog to learn more about the new Google Chat. 

What’s changing

Last year, we announced improvements to the Google Chat search experience on web and mobile that help you find more accurate and customized search suggestions and results. 

Now, when searching in Chat, machine learning models will use the search term(s), most recent Chat conversations in direct messages and spaces, and other factors to help you find more accurate and relevant Chat message results. 
Improved search results in Google Chat

Who’s impacted 

End users 


Additional details 

By default, search results will be sorted by relevance, but you have the option to change the result sorting to recency by clicking on the sort dropdown. 

If you unselect “Only conversations I’m in” at the top of the results page, you’ll see matching results from spaces that you’re not a part of, but have the option to join. For those spaces, you can preview and join them from the search results page itself. 


Getting started 

Rollout pace 

  • This feature is available now on web, Android and iOS. 

Availability 

  • Available to all Google Workspace customers 

Resources 

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap – September 29, 2023

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.

Improved paste values experience in Google Sheets 
Previously, when pasting a number in Google Sheets using Paste special > Values only, the content pasted was only the text from the original range of cells. For example, for the date 9/21/2023, paste values only would paste the date serial number of 45190. To improve upon this feature, the default for paste values for numbers will include values and the number format, meaning all of your numbers will retain their formatting as you are working in Sheets. | Available now to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google Accounts. 
Improved paste values experience in Google Sheets
Different certificates for signing and encrypting messages in Gmail 
If your organization uses different certificates for signing and encrypting messages, you can now use the Gmail CSE API to upload different encryption and signature public certificates for each user. | Rolling out to Rapid Release domains now; launch to Scheduled Release domains planned for October 9, 2023. | Available to Google Workspace Enterprise Plus, Education Plus, and Education Standard customers. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about using the Gmail CSE API to manage user certificates. 


Allow certificate mismatches for client-side encrypted messages 
In some cases, the email address associated with a user’s certificate might be different from their primary email address — this is known as a certificate mismatch. Admins can now opt to allow certificate mismatches, which means their end users will be able to decrypt and read messages with a mismatch. It should be noted that we recommend allowing certificate mismatches only when this feature is absolutely required for our organization. | Rolling out to Rapid Release domains now; launch to Scheduled Release domains planned for October 9, 2023. | Available to Google Workspace Enterprise Plus, Education Plus, and Education Standard customers. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about allowing certificate mismatches for client-side encrypted messages in Gmail.


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.


Create, modify, and insert email templates within Groups messages 
When you’re using Groups to send messages, you can save a composed message as a template to reuse in the future. | Learn more about email templates within Groups messages. 

Additional space manager capabilities in Google Chat 
We’re adding two new controls to the list of space manager capabilities in Google Chat that were introduced earlier this year to ensure effective conversations take place in spaces. The new “Manage apps” and “Manage webhooks” options will allow space managers to control the ability of space members to add and remove apps and webhooks to a space. | Learn more about new space manager capabilities. 

Easily link to a specific message in Google Chat 
Building upon the recent updates in Google Chat, such as message views, in-line replies and larger spaces, we’re introducing message linking, an additional feature that helps teams collaborate more effectively. | Learn more about message linking. 

Easily add or remove groups of members to a space in Google Chat 
We’re introducing a new app for Google Chat called Bulk Member Manager that enables space managers and space members, who have permission to manage members, to easily add or remove members to or from a space in bulk. | Learn more about the Bulk Member Manager app. 

The next phase of digital whiteboarding for Google Workspace 
In late 2024, we will wind down the Jamboard whiteboarding app as well as continue with the previously planned end of support for Google Jamboard devices. | This update impacts all Google Workspace customers who use the Jamboard app or 55-inch Jamboard device. | Learn more about the winding down of the Jamboard whiteboarding app. 

Updates regarding the transition from spaces organized by topic to in-line threading in Google Chat 
In 2022, we introduced in-line threading for Google Chat and since March 2023, all newly created spaces in Google Chat are in-line threaded by default. On September 30, 2023, we will begin taking the next step toward a single, streamlined flow of conversation in Google Chat: all existing spaces organized by conversation topic will be upgraded to the in-line threaded experience. We’d like to share more information regarding the migration, what to expect, as well as what’s next for Google Chat. | Learn more about in-line threading in Google Chat. 

Client-side encryption in Gmail is now available on mobile devices 
We’re expanding client-side encryption in Gmail to Android and iOS devices, so you can read and write encrypted messages directly from your device. | Learn more about client-side encryption in Gmail on mobile devices.

Beginning September 30, 2024: third-party apps that use only a password to access Google Accounts and Google Sync will no longer be supported 
Google Workspace will no longer support the sign-in method for third-party apps or devices that require users to share their Google username and password. | Learn more about Access to Less Secure Apps (LSA).



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:



Beginning September 30, 2024: third-party apps that use only a password to access Google Accounts and Google Sync will no longer be supported

What’s changing 

As part of our commitment to user safety, Google Workspace will no longer support the sign-in method for third-party apps or devices that require users to share their Google username and password. This antiquated sign-in method, known as Less Secure Apps (LSAs), puts users at an additional risk since it requires sharing Google Account credentials with third-party apps and devices that can make it easier for bad actors to gain unauthorized access to your account. 


Instead, you’ll need to use the option to Sign-In with Google, which is a safer and more secure way to sync your email to other apps. Sign-in with Google leverages industry standard and more secure OAuth method of authentication already used by the vast majority of third-party apps and devices. 


We previously announced this change in 2019, and are now ready to share an updated timeline regarding this change:


Access to Less Secure Apps (LSA) will be turned off in two stages: 
  1. Beginning June 15, 2024:
    • The LSA settings will be removed from the Admin console and can no longer be changed. Enabled users can connect during this time, but disabled users will no longer be able to access LSAs. This includes all third-party apps that require password-only access to Gmail, Google Calendar, Contacts via protocols such as CalDAV, CardDAV, IMAP, SMTP, and POP. 

    • The IMAP enable/disable settings will be removed from users’ Gmail settings.

    • If you’ve been using LSAs prior to this date, you can continue using them until September 30, 2024.

  2. Beginning September 30, 2024:

As part of this change, Google Sync will also be sunsetted: 
  • Beginning June 15, 2024: New users will not be able to connect to Google Workspace via Google Sync.
  • September 30, 2024: Existing Google Sync users will not be able to connect to Google Workspace. Here is how you can transition your organization off Google Sync. To find Google Sync usage in your organization, please go to the Admin Console, navigate to Devices > Mobile & Endpoints > Devices, and filter by Type: Google Sync.


See below for more specific guidance for admins, end users, and developers regarding this change.


Who’s impacted

Admins and end users


Getting Started

Admins
Preparing your end users
In order for your end users to continue using these types of apps with their Google Workspace accounts, they must switch to a more secure type of access called OAuth. You’ll receive more information via email with affected users in your organization in the coming months. We recommend that you share the user instructions (included below) to help them make the necessary changes. 


Mobile Device Management (MDM) Impact
If your organization uses a mobile device management (MDM) provider to configure IMAP, CalDAV CardDAV, POP or Exchange ActiveSync (Google Sync) profiles, these services will be phased out according to the timeline below:
 

June 15, 2024

MDM push of password based IMAP, CalDAV, CardDAV, STMP, POP and Exchange ActiveSync (Google Sync) will no longer work for customers who try to connect to an LSA for the first time.

If you use Google Endpoint Management, you will not be able to turn on "Custom Push Configuration" settings for CalDAV and CardDAV.

September 30, 2024

MDM push of password based IMAP, CalDAV, CardDAV, SMTP and POP will no longer work for existing users. Admins will need to push a Google Account using their MDM provider, which will re-add their Google accounts to iOS devices using OAuth. 


MDM push of password based Exchange ActiveSync (Google Sync)  will no longer work for existing users. Admins will need to push a Google Account using their MDM provider, which will re-add their Google accounts to iOS devices using OAuth.


If you use Google Endpoint Management, “Custom push configuration-CalDAV” and “Customer push configuration-CardDAV” (more details about the settings here) will stop being effective. 



Scanners and other devices
If you have scanners or other devices using simple mail transfer protocol (SMTP) or LSAs to send emails, you’ll need to either: configure them to use OAuth, use an alternative method, or configure an App Password for use with the device. 


End users
If you are using an app that accesses your Google Account with only a username and password, take one of the following actions to continue to access your email, calendar, or contacts. If you do not take one of the following actions by September 30, 2024, you will begin receiving an error message that your username-password combination is incorrect and you will not be able to log in. 


Email Applications

Outlook 2016 or Earlier

Move to Microsoft 365 (formerly known as Office 365, a web-based version of Outlook) or Outlook for Windows or Mac, both of which support OAuth access.

Alternatively you can use Google Workspace Sync for Microsoft Outlook. 

Thunderbird or another email client

Re-add your Google Account and configure it to use IMAP with OAuth.

The mail app on iOS or MacOS, or Outlook for Mac and use only a password to login

You’ll need to remove and re-add your account. When you add it back, select “Sign in with Google” to automatically use OAuth.

MacOS:

iOS:




Calendar Applications
  • If you use an app that uses password based CalDAV to give access to your calendar, switch to a method that supports OAuth. We recommend the Google Calendar app [Web/iOS/Android] as the most secure app to use with your Google Workspace account.
  • If your Google Workspace account is linked to the calendar app in iOS or MacOS and uses only a password to login, you’ll need to remove and re-add your account to your device. When you add it back, select “sign in with Google” to automatically use OAuth. Read more.


Contacts Applications
  • If your Google Workspace account is syncing contacts to iOS or MacOS via CardDAV and uses only a password to login, you’ll need to remove your account. When you add it back, select “sign in with Google” to automatically use OAuth. Read More.

  • If your Google Workspace account is syncing contacts to any other platform or app via CardDAV and uses only a password to login, switch to a method that supports OAuth.


All Other Applications
If the app you are using does not support OAuth, you will need to switch to an app that offers OAuth or create an app password to access these apps.



Developers
To maintain compatibility with Google Workspace accounts, update your app to use OAuth 2.0 as a connection method. To get started, follow our developer guide on using OAuth 2.0 to access Google APIs. You can also refer to our guide on OAuth 2.0 for mobile & desktop apps. 


Users with personal Google accounts: In the coming weeks we will be removing the IMAP enable/disable toggle from your Gmail settings. IMAP access is always enabled over OAuth and your current connections will not be impacted. No action is required of users. 

Availability

  • This change impacts all Google Workspace customers.

Resources


Updates regarding the transition from spaces organized by topic to in-line threading in Google Chat

What’s changing 

In 2022, we introduced in-line threading for Google Chat and since March 2023, all newly created spaces in Google Chat are in-line threaded by default. 


On September 30, 2023, we will begin taking the next step toward a single, streamlined flow of conversation in Google Chat: all existing spaces organized by conversation topic will be upgraded to the in-line threaded experience. We’d like to share more information regarding the migration, what to expect, as well as what’s next for Google Chat. 


Who’s impacted 

Admins and end users


Why it’s important

Whether it’s a 1:1 conversation  or a space, Google Chat plays a critical role in collaborating and communicating. Our goal is to continue evolving Chat to best serve our users and keep teams productive and connected. 


As such, we’ve heard from our customers that the way conversations were structured in spaces could be improved. Specifically, users found topic-based conversations to be restrictive and tricky to navigate. With topic-based conversations users would struggle to keep track of individual topics as new replies were added, and often find themselves scrolling back through threads to locate relevant topics.. Over time, topic threads have become noisier and more complex for many users.


What became clear was the need for a continuous conversation flow. In-line threading allows users to reply to any message and create a discussion separate from the main conversation and users have reported a much higher satisfaction rate as compared to topic-based spaces. Users can also follow specific threads, whereby they’ll receive notifications for replies and @ mentions in that thread, helping to cut through clutter and stay on top of what matters most.


What to expect during the upgrade period

Beginning September 30, 2023 we will begin upgrading conversations grouped by topic to in-line threading. We anticipate this change to be completed by March 2024. 


In order to minimize disruptions on day-to-day work, we will do our best to initiate upgrades during off-peak times on weekends. Should you be using Chat during these upgrades, spaces that are being upgraded will be inaccessible for a few minutes. Admins can use this form to specify a specific month and whether they prefer the upgrade to take place on weekdays or weekends. Please note this will be on a best effort basis and this form must be submitted by October 15, 2023. Based on the preference selected by a customer, we’ll choose one of the upgrade windows on a weekday or a weekend in the selected month and upgrade all the eligible spaces during off-peak hours. 

Prior to the upgrade

A minimum of two weeks prior to the upgrade taking place, a banner will be displayed in impacted spaces notifying users about the impending change. Users will be able to click through to the Help Center for more information.


During the upgrade

As mentioned above, we plan to execute these changes during off-peak times to help minimize disruption. If you’re using an impacted space when the upgrade commences, most functions such as sending and receiving messages will be inaccessible. Typically, this will only last for a few minutes, after which users simply need to refresh the browser tab to access and use the newly upgraded space. Other direct messages, group conversations and in-line threaded spaces will not be impacted and will remain accessible during the upgrade



After the upgrade 

Once the upgrade is complete, the space will use the in-line threaded model. Messages sent before the upgrade will be retained, and will be arranged chronologically, instead of by topic. There will also be a separator titled “Begin New Topic” to indicate every time a new topic was started. 

In some cases, when people have responded on older topics, the new chronological order takes precedence. This means that messages may not appear next to the original topic, but rather according to their timestamp. When this occurs, the new response will quote the last corresponding message that it is replying to, as seen in the image below. 

You’ll also see a separator between the last message sent before the migration, and a message indicating that the space has been upgraded to a space with in-line replies. Going forward, all new messages will feature in-line threaded functionality. 


More new ways to work with threads

To further elevate the in-line threading experience, we’ll be introducing several new features during the remainder of the year and into 2024. Here’s a preview of some of those features — be sure to subscribe to the Workspace Updates blog for the latest updates on availability. Meanwhile, please refer to this post for even more features coming to Google Chat. 


Resizable threads panel

You’ll be able to easily resize the threads sidebar to best suit your screen size or increase the focus on threads most important to you.


Home shortcut 
“Home” is the place to manage and catch up on your Chat messages. Messages from your followed threads will be shown in Home. You can also filter to only see your followed threads and unread conversations. You’ll be able to open a conversation or reply from the Home view.

Select "Home" from the sidebar. 






You can choose to get notified for all messages, and automatically follow all threads within a space ensuring you don’t miss any updates.


Thread participants 
You will be able to see avatars of users that have replied to a thread to get better context and decide whether the thread is relevant to you.


Getting started


Availability

  • This update impacts all Google Workspace customers 

Resources