Tag Archives: Other

Google Forms API now available in open beta

What’s changing 

At Google Cloud Next 2021, we announced the Google Forms API Beta, which provides programmatic access for managing Google Forms and acting on responses— empowering developers to build powerful integrations on top of Forms. 

The Google Forms API is now rolling out as an Open Beta which means developers who are part of our Early Adopter Program can make their integrations available to the public. We’ll no longer require individual end-user accounts to be allowlisted. Developers should keep in mind, however, that their integrations are in Beta. 

Developers can apply to join our Early Adopter Program and begin developing using the Google Forms API by filling out this form. 

See below for more information. 

Who’s impacted 

Admins and developers 

Why you’d use it 

The Google Forms API provides programmatic access to manage Forms and receive responses, supporting the development of a variety of powerful integrations. For example, the API could be utilized to develop real-time dashboards or data visualizations, trigger business workflows incorporating project management, CRM, or LMS tools, or auto-generate forms from question banks or other data sets. 

The API is useful for a variety of tasks such as: 

  • Creating and modifying forms or quizzes 
  • Retrieving form responses or quiz grades 
  • Reading form content and metadata 
  • Receiving push notifications for form or quiz responses and updates 



Getting started 

Rollout pace 

Integration availability for end users 

Availability 

Resources 

Updates to the transition timeline for Classic Google Sites

What’s changing

In 2017, we announced that we would replace classic Google Sites with new Google Sites. We’re extending the previously announced timeline to make the migration process easier for Google Workspace customers. The new timeline is: 

  • Starting June 1, 2022 (previously December 1, 2021): You will no longer be able to edit any remaining classic Sites in your domain.  
  • Starting July 1, 2022 (previously January 1, 2022): Classic Sites will no longer be viewable unless they are converted to new Google Sites.

Additionally, the bulk conversion tool in the Classic Sites Manager will be temporarily unavailable as we make improvements to conversion fidelity for sites settings. We will update the Google Workspace Known Issues page when the feature is re-enabled. 

In the meantime, end-users and admins can still convert individual classic Sites to new Google Sites and use other tools in the Classic Sites Manager to make progress on migration. 

Note: This timeline change does not impact the transition for users with personal Google accounts. 

Who’s impacted

Admins and end-users  

Getting started

  • Admins: 
    • We recommend notifying your end-users about the updated timeline.
    • Use the Classic Sites Manager to help your users make the transition. 

  • Google Workspace end-users:
    • Users need to transition from classic to new Sites according to the new timeline outlined above. Visit our Help Center to learn how to convert a classic Site to a new Site.
    • To ensure a smooth transition, we recommend the following best practices when migrating your sites:
      • Create an archive of your classic Sites in the Classic Sites Manager so that you can refer to them later, if needed. 
      • Since sharing settings work differently in new Sites than in classic Sites, always check your sharing settings after conversion:


Availability


Google for Education transformation reports window is now available

What’s changing

Google for Education transformation reports are available for K-12 Google Workspace for Education customers worldwide, at no additional cost. The next reporting window is open as of November 2, 2021 and will close December 10, 2021. 

Additionally, we’ve introduced several improvements for transformation reports:

  • Immediate access: Starting today, super admins for any Google Workspace for Education domain can login to view their transformation report. We've removed the waiting period between logging in to request a report and receiving a report. 
  • Realtime updates: You can now adjust the product data windows and the number of teachers and students you expect to be using Google products. This will allow you to view real time updates for your report regarding what’s most useful to you. any time between November 2, 2021 and December 10, 2021.  (The report will be locked for editing after December 10)
  • Ease of use: Reports are now available immediately upon login without having to request one in advance. Additionally, reports can now be customized with updates in real time any time Nov 2- Dec 10. 

See below for more information on generating your transformation report.


Who’s impacted

Admins


Why you’d use it

The transformation report is a free tool designed to help quantify your organization’s Google for Education implementation across our products and programs. Semester-based reports track usage trends over time and make it easy to understand how your organization is using Google Workspace for Education, Chromebooks, and progressing through Certification programs. 


Based on usage information and survey responses, you’ll receive tailored recommendations and resources from Google for Education to help you drive more impact across your organization. 


See here for more information about Google for Education transformation reports, as well as a list of frequently asked questions.


Getting started

Super Admins: Super admins may log in to g.co/edutransformationreport to access a custom transformation report:


  • Log in to view your report 
    • Note: All Google for Education customers will have a report available without having to proactively request one in advance.



  • Take and share the transformation survey [optional]
    • Survey participation is optional, but we encourage you and your leadership team to complete the survey at least once a year to reflect on your digital transformation and receive customized feedback.  
    • See our FAQs for recommendations on who to share the survey with and this email template when sharing with your leadership team.

End users: No action required.


Rollout pace

  • Transformation reports are available now for all users. 


Availability

  • Available to K-12 Google Workspace for Education Fundamentals, Education Standard, Education Plus, and the Teaching and Learning Upgrade customers
  • Not available to Google Workspace Essentials, Business Starter, Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Frontline, and Nonprofits, as well as G Suite Basic and Business customers


Resources 


Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap – November 5, 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.


Updated emoji experience in Google Chat on iOS
It’s now easier to express yourself more authentically in Chat on iOS. We’re making the following updates to the emoji experience: The Emoji set is updated to the latest version (Emoji 13.1), reflecting the latest emoji set and diversity and inclusion options; Gender-neutral options for gender-modifiable emojis have been added; Emoji skin tone and gender preferences are saved per individual emoji. | Available to all Google Workspace and G Suite customers, as well as users with personal Google accounts.


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.


More easily add citations in Google Docs with new search and automated entry function
When adding citations in Google Docs, you can now search for books and online sources, then automatically populate some attributes for those sources.  | Learn more.



Refine search results in Google Drive with search chips, launching in beta
We’re launching a new beta for Google Drive that will help users refine their search and locate files faster using search chips. This beta will be available for all Google Workspace editions—eligible customers can use this form to express interest in the beta. | Learn more.



Enable advanced context-aware access to Google Workspace in the Admin console
You can now configure context-aware access (CAA) custom access levels using advanced attributes directly from the Google Workspace Admin console. You can use more advanced signals such as time/date restrictions, credential strength, Chrome browser attributes or verified ChromeOS as well as third-party signals via BeyondCorp Alliance partners. | Available to Google Workspace Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Education Standard, and Education Plus. Also available to Cloud Identity Premium customers. | Learn more.



Google Workspace Client-side encryption beta expanded to include Google Meet and Google Drive for desktop
We’re now expanding the client-side encryption beta to include desktop data for Google Meet and Google Drive. Additionally, key access service APIs are now publicly available for anyone to use. Lastly, we are adding two new Key access service partners (Fortanix, Stormshield) for customers looking for a dedicated partner that integrates with the key access service APIs. | Learn more.



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

Google Workspace Client-side encryption beta expanded to include Google Meet and Google Drive for desktop

What’s changing 

Earlier this year, we announced the beta for Google Workspace Client-side encryption, specifically for Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides, with support for all file types in Drive including Office files, PDFs, and more. 

We’re now expanding the beta to include desktop data for Google Meet and Google Drive. Additionally, key access service APIs are now publicly available for anyone to use. 

Encryption notice in Meet

Encryption notice in Meet

Lastly, we are adding two new Key access service partners (Fortanix, Stormshield) for customers looking for a dedicated partner that integrates with the key access service APIs. Previously, we had announced key service partnerships with Flowcrypt, FutureX, Thales and Virtru. 

The beta is available to Google Workspace Enterprise Plus and Google Workspace Education Plus customers—eligible customers can now apply for the beta here. Important note: Customers who are already participating in the beta will have to reapply for access to the Google Meet and functionality, but you will be able to reuse your key service configuration. 

Who’s impacted 

Admins and developers 

Why it’s important 

Google Workspace already uses the latest cryptographic standards to encrypt all data at rest and in transit between our facilities. With Client-side encryption, we’re taking this a step further by giving customers direct control of encryption keys and the identity provider used to access those keys. This can help you strengthen the confidentiality of your data while helping to address a broad range of data sovereignty and compliance needs. 

When using Client-side encryption, customer data is indecipherable to Google. Customers can create a fundamentally stronger privacy posture to comply with regulations like ITAR and CJIS or simply to better protect the privacy of their confidential data 

Read our announcement post to learn more about this beta and our plans for Client-side encryption across Google Workspace. 

Additional details 

If you are looking to choose a key service access partner, Flowcrypt, Fortanix, Futurex, Stormshield, Thales, and Virtru have built tools in accordance with Google’s specifications and provide both key management and access control capabilities. Your partner of choice holds the key to decode encrypted Google Workspace files, and Google cannot access or decipher these files without this key. 

If you prefer to build or integrate your own in-house key services, we have published the key access service API specifications that can be used with Client-side encryption. 

Getting started 

Availability 

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

Resources 

Refine search results in Google Drive with search chips, launching in beta

What’s changing

We’re launching a new beta for Google Drive that will help users refine their search and locate files faster using search chips. This is similar to functionality available in Gmail today. 



This beta will be available for all Google Workspace editions—eligible customers can use this form to express interest in the beta.


See below for more information.


Who’s impacted

Admins and end users


Why you’d use it 

When searching in Drive, users often use a few key words to try and locate the file they’re looking for, such as “marketing plan” or “sales report,” which may return results that are too broad. 


Now, after a query is entered, users can use search chips to surface more relevant results based on:

  • File type, such as a Google Doc, PDF, or image
  • People
  • Location, such as a shared drive or specific folder
  • When the document was last modified
  • File titles only
  • Shared drive labels
  • Tasks
We hope search chips in Drive make it easier to find relevant files faster, eliminating the need to perform multiple searches or sort through irrelevant results.


Getting started

  • Admins: Use this form to express interest in the beta. We’ll begin accepting domains into the program in the coming weeks.

  • End users: If accepted into the beta, search chips will be available by default to users in the Google group(s) provided at sign-up. Simply enter a search query and select one or multiple chips to further drill down results.

Availability

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

Resources


Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap – October 29, 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. 


Updating Gmail "Compose" button for Chat in Gmail users on the web 
Earlier this year, we updated the "Compose" button to a smaller, icon-only button for all users of Chat in Gmail on the web. We've heard from you that the original, larger version of the button is more intuitive and will be going back to that option starting November 3, 2021. | Available to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google accounts.




New navigation menus in Google Sites
Site editors can now organize page and external links under new navigation menus. Simply select "New Menu" and add or move pages to allow more flexibility in structuring navigation within your sites. | Available to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google accounts.


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.


Enhanced menus in Google Sheets improves findability of key features
We’re updating the menus in Google Sheets to make it easier to locate the most commonly-used features. | Learn more.


Manage and share private iOS apps through Google Endpoint Management
Admins can now upload, manage, and distribute private iOS applications to advanced managed devices. | Available to Google Workspace Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Education Standard, Education Plus, and Cloud Identity Premium customers. | Learn more.


VirusTotal integration with the security investigation tool provides deeper insight into Gmail events
Admins can use the Security  Investigation tool to view VirusTotal reports to gain richer information regarding Gmail event logs and use that information to make more informed decisions on protecting their users and data. | Available to Google Workspace Enterprise Plus, Education Standard, and Education Plus customers. | Learn more.


Improved and updated security menu in the Admin Console
We have updated the “Security” category within the left-hand navigation of the Admin console by adding navigation access to security features previously only accessible from the security settings page, introducing subcategories, and more. | Learn more.


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

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap – October 29, 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. 


Updating Gmail "Compose" button for Chat in Gmail users on the web 
Earlier this year, we updated the "Compose" button to a smaller, icon-only button for all users of Chat in Gmail on the web. We've heard from you that the original, larger version of the button is more intuitive and will be going back to that option starting November 3, 2021. | Available to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google accounts.




New navigation menus in Google Sites
Site editors can now organize page and external links under new navigation menus. Simply select "New Menu" and add or move pages to allow more flexibility in structuring navigation within your sites. | Available to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google accounts.


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.


Enhanced menus in Google Sheets improves findability of key features
We’re updating the menus in Google Sheets to make it easier to locate the most commonly-used features. | Learn more.


Manage and share private iOS apps through Google Endpoint Management
Admins can now upload, manage, and distribute private iOS applications to advanced managed devices. | Available to Google Workspace Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Education Standard, Education Plus, and Cloud Identity Premium customers. | Learn more.


VirusTotal integration with the security investigation tool provides deeper insight into Gmail events
Admins can use the Security  Investigation tool to view VirusTotal reports to gain richer information regarding Gmail event logs and use that information to make more informed decisions on protecting their users and data. | Available to Google Workspace Enterprise Plus, Education Standard, and Education Plus customers. | Learn more.


Improved and updated security menu in the Admin Console
We have updated the “Security” category within the left-hand navigation of the Admin console by adding navigation access to security features previously only accessible from the security settings page, introducing subcategories, and more. | Learn more.


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

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap – October 22, 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.


Drive for desktop support for Apple silicon (M1) devices now generally available
Earlier this year, we added Drive for desktop support for Apple Silicon (M1) devices in beta. Since then, we’ve been making improvements to the functionality, and it is now generally available. Learn more in the Google Drive for desktop release notes. |Available to all Google Workspace customers, and G Suite Basic and Business customers. Also available to users with personal Google accounts  | 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 information about your colleagues and stakeholders in Google Contacts
Google Contacts will include additional information about people in your organization such as: working hours, non-manager relationships, shared files, and more. | Learn more. 


Control session length for Google Cloud Console and gcloud CLI now generally available
In 2019, we announced a beta that allows Google Workspace, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and Cloud Identity admins to set a fixed session duration for specific apps and services. This is now generally available. | Available to all Google Workspace customers, as well as G Suite Basic and Business customers, and Google Cloud Identity Free and Premium customers. | Learn more.


Mark Google Chat messages as unread
You can now mark a Google Chat direct message (DM) or Space as read or unread on mobile and on the web. | Learn more.


Integrate Google Chat with a 3rd-party archiving solution
You can now send an email archive of Google Chat messages to a 3rd party archiving solution. | Available to Google Workspace Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Education Fundamentals, Education Plus customers. | Learn more.


Easily add to Google Docs with the new universal @ menu
We’ve added a universal insertion menu to easily add things like tables and images, in addition to smart chips, directly in Google Docs. Simply type “@”, and you’ll see a list of recommended files, people, meetings, and different content elements and formats to insert into your work. | Learn more.


Classic Sites to new Google Sites migration reminder
Starting December 1, 2021: you will no longer be able to edit any remaining classic Google Sites in your domain. Starting January 1, 2022: classic Google Sites will no longer be viewable unless they are converted to new Google Sites. See full announcement for more information and milestones. | Learn more.


Add a page break before paragraphs in Google Docs
You can now mark a paragraph to always begin on a new page with the new “Add page break before” option in Google Docs. | Learn more.


Set aside time for focus in Google Calendar
We’re introducing a new Google Calendar entry type, Focus time, so you can block out and protect your time for heads-down individual work. | Available to Google Workspace Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Education Fundamentals, Education Teaching & Learning Upgrade, Education Standard, Education Plus, and Nonprofits customers. | Learn more.


Visual updates and improvements for the To, Cc, and Bcc fields in Gmail
When interacting with the “To”, “Cc”, and “Bcc” fields, some improvements you’ll notice are a new right-click menu to view a recipient’s full name, edit contact names, etc., avatar chips for recipients, and more. | Learn more.


Google Meet meeting hosts now have more control of participant's audio and video feeds for smoother, more productive meetings
Meeting hosts in Google Meet can now use Audio and Video Lock to turn off the microphones and/or cameras of other participants in the meeting and prevent them from turning them back on until you unlock them, in the main and breakout rooms. | Learn more.

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

Reminder: Editing in classic Google Sites will no longer be available starting December 1, 2021 and classic Sites will no longer be viewable beginning January 1, 2021

What’s changing 

As previously announced, we are replacing classic Google Sites with new Google Sites. To avoid disruption, please make sure all of your existing classic Sites are migrated by December 31, 2021. 


We’d like to remind you that: 
  • Starting December 1, 2021: you will no longer be able to edit any remaining classic Google Sites in your domain. 
  • Starting January 1, 2022: classic Google Sites will no longer be viewable unless they are converted to new Google Sites. Any remaining classic Sites will automatically be: 
    • Downloaded as an archive and saved to the website owner’s Google Drive. 
    • Replaced with a draft in the new Google Sites for site owners to review and publish. 

See below for more information.


Who’s impacted

Admins and end users 


Why it’s important

To ensure your organization’s classic Sites content continues to be viewable without interruption, make sure all your existing classic Sites are migrated by December 31, 2021. If you haven’t already done so, enable new Sites creation for your organization.


We anticipate the transition process for all remaining classic Sites that starts on January 1, 2022 will take up to three months to complete. Admins will receive an email notification once this is completed for their domain. During the transition period, you and your users will still be able to migrate remaining classic Sites that have not already been auto-migrated.


If you don’t take any action, the changes outlined in the transition timeline above will automatically be applied to your domain. Use our Help Center to learn more about the transition from classic Sites to new Sites.

Additional details

Some sites may not be automatically replaced with a draft in new Google Sites due to page count limits or other factors. Please see this Help Center article for more information and to determine if your site is impacted and action is needed before December 31, 2021.


Getting started

  • Admins: 
    • Use the Classic Sites Manager to help your users make the transition. Using this console, admins can: 
      • View all classic Sites in your domain with the option to export to Google Sites for project management. 
      • Convert, archive, restore, or delete your websites, individually or in bulk. 
      • Bulk update ownership of sites.