Tag Archives: Other

Perform refined email searches with new rich filters in Gmail on web

Quick launch summary 

When searching in Gmail on web, enhanced search chips will provide richer drop-down lists with more options that help you apply additional filters. For example, when you click on the “From” chip, you’ll now be able to quickly type a name, choose from a list of suggested senders, or search for emails from multiple senders. Available now for all users, search chips make it quicker and easier to find the specific email or information you’re looking for. 


A richer drop down list in search

Getting started 

  • Admins: There is no admin control for this feature. 
  • End users: There is no end user setting for this feature, chips will appear automatically when you perform a search in Gmail on the web. Use the Help Center to learn more about search in Gmail. 

Rollout pace 

  • This feature is available now for all users. 

Availability 

  • Available to all Google Workspace customers, as well as G Suite Basic and Business customers. Also available to users with personal Google Accounts

New graphs for metrics over time in Meet Quality Tool

What’s changing 

We’ve added detailed metrics over time for endpoints in Meet Quality Tool, which will help admins perform more advanced troubleshooting. When clicking any endpoint in the meeting timeline, admins can now view charts showing: 
  • Average CPU usage, 
  • Connection delay, 
  • Microphone audio level (what is heard at the user's location), 
  • Received audio level (audio from others), 
  • Sent video packet loss, 
  • Received video packet loss.

When viewing metrics for meetings that are still in progress, you can refresh to see a timeline and metrics with near-real-time values.


Please note: The available metrics for any given endpoint depend on which device and Meet client was used for the connection.


Who’s impacted

Admins


Why it’s important

There are many factors that can affect the quality of a meeting — by providing detailed information and metrics of those factors overtime, admins can more effectively analyze and troubleshoot issues and therefore improve the quality of meetings for their users.


For example, the graph below shows a user who experienced a loss of video during a meeting. 


The admin can further drill down into the metrics and see that the exact time of the video loss corresponds with the loss of the user’s network connection. Using these metrics, the admin was able to quickly diagnose this as a temporary network connection issue.


Getting started


Rollout pace

  • This feature is available now.

Availability

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



One-click recommended actions in the Alert Center

What’s changing 

In the Alert Center, Admins will see new one-click recommended actions for various alerts, which they can implement without leaving the Alert Center. You’ll see recommended actions such as: 
  • Marking an email message as phishing, 
  • Suspending a user, 
  • Restoring a user after they’ve been suspended, 
  • Blocking devices, 
  • Deleting email messages and more. 
When viewing an alert detail, you'll see a recommended action such as "Delete message" with a link for admins to take quick action.





Who’s impacted 

Admins 

Why it’s important 

We hope these suggested actions make it easier for Admins to swiftly triage, take action, and remedy various incidents within your org faster. 


Additionally, this update builds on previous improvements in the Admin console such as the updated homepage, redesigned navigation experience and a streamlined management of users and domains. 


Getting started 


Rollout pace 

  • This feature is available now for all users. 

Availability 

  • Available to Google Workspace Enterprise Plus, Education Standard, 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 

Upgrade to the newest version of the Google Chat app

Quick launch summary

Last year, we introduced the new Google Chat Progressive Web Application (PWA), which provides a fast, reliable, and engaging way to use Chat on any desktop device with the Google Chrome web browser. We’ve recently released a new version of this app.

While most users have already been automatically upgraded to the new app, a small number of users are still on the older Chat PWA version and will see an in-app banner nudging them to upgrade by visiting chat.google.com.

PWA banner
Banner to upgrade to the newest version of the Chat PWA


The banner will read “You are using an old version of Chat. You need to uninstall this old version first, then visit www.chat.google.com to install the new version.”

Beginning September 27, 2021, users who have not yet upgraded will no longer be able to use their previously installed Chat app. Instead, they’ll see a screen directing them to upgrade to the new version of Google Chat.

Screen telling users the old PWA is no longer available
Screen users will see when the old PWA version is no longer available


If users already have the new version of the app available but are still using the old app, they will simply see a screen asking them to uninstall this old version.

Screen shown to users who have installed the new PWA version but try to access the old version once it is no longer available
Screen shown to users that already have the new app, when the old PWA version is no longer available

Getting started


Rollout pace

Availability

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

Resources

Set the default state for Quick access and Host Management in Google Meet with new Admin settings

Quick summary 

Recently, we announced the expansion of the meeting safety features and the ability to add up to 25 co-hosts in Google Meet. We’re now adding two new controls that will allow admins to configure whether the Host Management and Quick access features will be on or off by default in their domain. 


In both cases, if the feature is set to OFF by default, meeting hosts can manually enable Quick access or Host Management from inside the meeting. Please see below for detailed information on the default Admin setting for each feature. 

Getting started 


Rollout pace 


Availability 

Host management is:
  • OFF by default for: Google Workspace Business Starter, Business Basic, Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Essentials, and Non-profits customers. 

  • ON by default for: Google Workspace for Google Workspace for Education Fundamentals, Education Standard, Education Plus, the Teaching and Learning upgrade, and Frontline customers 

  • Not available to Google Workspace Individual customers or users with personal Google Accounts. 

Quick access is:
  • ON by default for all Google Workspace customers, as well as G Suite Basic and Business customers. 

  • Not available to Google Workspace Individual customers or users with personal Google Accounts. 

Resources 

Review presentations more quickly with new viewing interface on Google Slides iOS app

Quick launch summary 

We’re improving the mobile viewing experience for Google Slides on iOS. To allow you to view more information at once, you can now: 
  • Scroll through a vertical stream of slides, 
  • Pinch to zoom to get a closer look, 
  • Easily switch between editing, presenting, or casting content. 



We hope these updates make it easier for you to read through, consume, and add or view comments in Slides while using a mobile device. This update is already available on Android. 

Getting started 

  • Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
  • End users: To use this feature, open any presentation on the Slides app on iOS. Visit the Help Center to learn more about how to use Google Slides on iOS. 

Rollout pace 


Availability 

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


Resources 

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

What’s changing

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

Some changes you’ll notice are:

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



Who’s impacted

End users



Additional details

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


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



Availability across Google Workspace apps:

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





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




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






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




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



Getting started

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

Rollout pace

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


Availability

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


Coming soon: new Google Meet Hardware devices

What’s changing

We just announced some new and exciting additions to the Google Meet hardware portfolio for the office or home office.


First, we’re announcing two new all-in-one video conferencing devices to complement our Series One Rooms Kits:
  • New Series One Desk 27 is a premium all-in-one touchscreen Google Meet collaboration device.
Series One Desk 27
Series One Desk 27

  • New Series One Board 65 is an all-in-one 65” 4K video conferencing device that can be paired with an optional stand for ultimate configuration flexibility—turning any room or space into a video collaboration hub in minutes. It also features the Jamboard app built in for easy collaboration with colleagues in the room or remotely.


Series One Board 65
Series One Board 65


We’re also proud to announce new third-party devices coming to the Google Meet hardware ecosystem. Google has certified the Logitech Rally Bar Mini and Rally Bar for Google Meet, which provide complete room solutions for small and mid-sized rooms. Both products will be available in October.

Additionally, Appcessori is launching a new mobile device speaker dock, Rayz Rally Pro, that will automatically launch Google Meet for video meetings and provide an enhanced audio experience from mobile devices. Rayz Rally Pro is also the first product in our “Designed for Google Meet” program, which identifies peripherals designed by partners specifically for and to work with Google Meet. Rayz Rally Pro supports both Android and iOS and is now available.


New third-party devices certified for Google Meet

Who’s impacted
Admins and end users

Why you’d use them
Hybrid working requires more immersive, interactive video-enabled devices to make meetings more inclusive for both in-office and remote workers.

The Series One Desk 27 is perfect for small, shared spaces or your desktop, either in the office or at home. Desk 27 is your personal video conferencing and team collaboration device.

The Series One Board 65 is a meeting solution that gives everyone an equal seat at the table. Now everyone can see, hear, collaborate and participate as if they were in the room. Ideal for team collaboration in small and medium rooms, Board 65 can be wall-mounted or configured with an optional stand for greater mobility.

Additional details

Series One devices:
Both Series One Desk 27 and Board 65 feature collaboration capabilities to help you capture ideas with the Jamboard app built right in.

Optimized for Google Meet, Desk 27 and Board 65 can also be used with any conferencing service through a single USB-C cable from your laptop. Use the conferencing app of your choice on your laptop and enjoy the high fidelity audio and high definition video of the Desk 27 and Board 65. Desk 27 will be available towards the end of the year, and Board 65 will be available at the end of Q1 2022.

New third-party devices certified for Google Meet:
The Logitech Rally Bar Mini and Rally Bar for Google Meet provide complete room solutions for small and mid-sized rooms. Certified Google Meet hardware ensures high-quality video and audio in meetings and are easy to deploy and manage. You can learn more about Google Meet-certified products in Logitech’s September 21 webinar. You can also view our full Google Meet device portfolio and purchase directly from approved resellers by visiting the Google Meet Hardware website.

Getting started

  • Admins: Contact Avocor for more information on pre-ordering the Series One devices. Contact Logitech for more information on their Google Meet-certified devices.

Availability

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

Resources

 

New beta makes it easier for admins to move folders to shared drives

What’s changing 

We’re launching a new beta that makes it easier for admins and delegated admins to move folders from My Drive to shared drives. This beta will add several usability enhancements including: 
  • Retaining folder IDs (“copyless moves”) to reduce disruption due to the move 
  • Preventing moves that would exceed any shared drive limits 
  • Reparenting any unmovable items under the item owner's My Drive root, and creating shortcuts in the existing hierarchy as a reference 


See below for more information and availability. Eligible customers can use this form to express interest in the beta. 



Who’s impacted 

Admins 


Why you’d use it 

Shared drives are a powerful way to empower teams and organizations to store, access, and collaborate on files. With this beta, admins and delegated admins will notice significant improvements when moving folders from My Drive to shared drives. 



Currently, when admins move folders, the existing folder IDs change, existing links to these folders can break, and impacts on shared drive limits are unclear. With this beta, folder IDs will not change and moves that can potentially exceed any shared drive limits will be rejected. 



We hope this streamlined process will allow admins to confidently migrate folders from My Drive to shared drives by providing them with more context on the changes they’re making. 




Additional details 

In the coming months, we will introduce end user support for moving My Drive folders to shared drives. We will provide an update on the Workspace Updates Blog when the end user portion of this feature becomes available. 

Dragging and dropping a folder from My Drive into a shared drive



Getting started 


Availability 

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

Resources 

New beta makes it easier for admins to move folders to shared drives

What’s changing 

We’re launching a new beta that makes it easier for admins and delegated admins to move folders from My Drive to shared drives. This beta will add several usability enhancements including: 
  • Retaining folder IDs (“copyless moves”) to reduce disruption due to the move 
  • Preventing moves that would exceed any shared drive limits 
  • Reparenting any unmovable items under the item owner's My Drive root, and creating shortcuts in the existing hierarchy as a reference 


See below for more information and availability. Eligible customers can use this form to express interest in the beta. 



Who’s impacted 

Admins 


Why you’d use it 

Shared drives are a powerful way to empower teams and organizations to store, access, and collaborate on files. With this beta, admins and delegated admins will notice significant improvements when moving folders from My Drive to shared drives. 



Currently, when admins move folders, the existing folder IDs change, existing links to these folders can break, and impacts on shared drive limits are unclear. With this beta, folder IDs will not change and moves that can potentially exceed any shared drive limits will be rejected. 



We hope this streamlined process will allow admins to confidently migrate folders from My Drive to shared drives by providing them with more context on the changes they’re making. 




Additional details 

In the coming months, we will introduce end user support for moving My Drive folders to shared drives. We will provide an update on the Workspace Updates Blog when the end user portion of this feature becomes available. 

Dragging and dropping a folder from My Drive into a shared drive



Getting started 


Availability 

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

Resources