Tag Archives: Weekly Recap

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap – September 20, 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.

Ability to create announcement spaces using the Google Chat API is now generally available

In June, we introduced the option to create announcement spaces using the Google Chat API through the Google Workspace Developer Preview Program. We’re excited to announce Google Workspace developers can now use the Chat API to create announcement spaces, plus read and update the permission settings of a space. | Rolling out now to Rapid Release domains and Scheduled Release domains. | Available to all Google Workspace customers. | Visit these Developer Docs for more information: PredefinedPermissionSettings and PermissionSettings fields.

Additional improvements to tables in Google Sheets

Following our announcement of improvements to tables in Google Sheets, we’re adding even more enhancements to the experience. More specifically, you can now:

1. Insert a blank table from the pre-built table sidebar

2. Reference tables successfully via IMPORTRANGE. For example, if you had a table named Table1 with column header values of of Column 1, Column 2, Column 3, etc.:

To import the table range, including header cells, you would input: =IMPORTRANGE(spreadsheet_url, “Table1[#ALL]”)
To import only the footers of the table range, you would input: =IMPORTRANGE(spreadsheet_url, “Table1[“#TOTALS]”)
To import the table range, excluding header cells, you would input: =IMPORTRANGE(spreadsheet_url, “Table1[“#DATA]”)
To import the first two columns of the table range, including header cells, you would input: =IMPORTRANGE(spreadsheet_url, “Table1[[Column 1]:[Column 2],[#ALL]]”)

3. Use the following keyboard shortcuts to easily convert ranges to tables:

Cmd+Opt+T for Mac
Ctrl+Alt+T for Linux and Windows

Rollout to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains for #1 is complete. | Rolling out to Rapid Release domains now for #2 and #3; launch to Scheduled Release domains planned for September 26, 2024 for #3 and October 3, 2024 for #2. | Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about using tables in Google Sheets.

Introducing Dual Screen on Meet

Following the recent announcement of an improved user experience for Google Meet on Android devices, we’re excited to introduce an additional feature, available on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold device, that provides you with a more immersive video call experience. Through the use of the front and inner cameras, you can now show both yourself and what you're looking at at the same time. Additionally, the person you're video chatting with can be seen on both the inner and outer screens to include everyone around you in the call. | Rollout to Rapid Release domains is complete; rolling out now to Scheduled Release domains. | Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. | Visit the Help Center to learn how Dual Screen on Google Meet works.

Use both screens during a Meet call - rear screen view of foldable

Use both screens during a Meet call - front screen view of foldable

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.

Adding multi-monitor support to Google Slides

We’re making it easier to view your Google Slides presentation controls on your computer while presenting to an audience using a connected external monitor or projector. | Learn more about multi-monitor support in Slides.

New beta available that restricts access to folders in Google Drive

We’ve introduced a beta that allows shared drive managers to restrict folders to specific users within a shared drive. This provides shared drive managers with greater flexibility to keep relevant content within a single shared drive, while restricting access to shared folders with sensitive information. | Learn more about restricting folder access.

New design and accessibility improvements for embedded Google Calendars

Starting this week, 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, and more. | Learn more about embedded Google Calendars.

NotebookLM now available as an Additional Service

Last year, we introduced an Early Access App called NotebookLM, an experimental product using some of Google's most advanced models, like Gemini 1.5 Pro, that helps you gain critical insights grounded in the content of source documents you trust. We’re excited to announce that NotebookLM is officially available as an Additional Service. | Learn more about NotebookLM.

Admin features for space management via the Chat API are now generally available

Earlier this year, we introduced a series of space management capabilities for Workspace admins in the Google Chat API via the Google Workspace Developer Preview Program. These API features are now generally available for all Google Workspace customers and developers. | Learn more about space management via the Chat API.

Create birthdays in Google 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. | Learn more about birthdays in Calendar.

Additional iOS data exfiltration enhancement: account level data sharing between Google Workspace apps and non-Google Workspace apps on or off

Admins can now enable content sharing on personal Workspace accounts while preventing data sharing from corporate Workspace accounts on iOS devices. | Learn more about iOS data exfiltration enhancements.

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:

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).

Source: Google Workspace Updates

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap – September 13, 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.

Co-annotate from select Google Meet hardware devices

We’re expanding annotation capabilities in Meet to include select Google Meet hardware devices. These devices can be appointed co-annotators by presenters and you can use annotation tools such as a pen, sticker and more directly from the touchscreen of the device. | Rollout to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains is complete. | Available to Google Workspace Business Starter, Standard, and Plus; Enterprise Starter, Standard, and Plus; Frontline Starter and Standard; Essentials, Enterprise Essentials, and Enterprise Essentials Plus; Education Standard, Plus, the Teaching & Learning Upgrade; Workspace Individual subscribers. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about using annotations in Google Meet.

New advancements in Connected Sheets for Looker

Last year, we introduced Connected Sheets for all Looker-hosted instances, enabling users to analyze data using pivot tables, charts, formulas, and other integrated data sources. This week, we’re excited to announce the ability to directly link Connected Sheets to existing Looker queries, rather than having to start from scratch in Sheets by connecting to an Explore every time. This highly-requested feature is especially useful for Looks, a special type of query that’s been saved in the Looker UI, and whose definition can be updated over time if needed. | 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. | Admins should use the Looker's Admin menu to make sure Connected Sheets for Looker is enabled. End users can visit the Help Center to learn more about using Connected Sheets in your organization.

TeamViewer Add-on for for Google Meet now supports remote desktop

A TeamViewer add-on for Google Meet is now available in the Google Workspace Marketplace, allowing Meet to tap into a leading remote connectivity platform. You can now rely on Meet + TeamViewer to enable remote support (e.g., IT support desk) that's easy, secure and reliable for your business. | 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. | Admins can visit the Help Center to learn more about managing Marketplace apps on your allowlist or installing Marketplace apps in your domain. End users can view the TeamViewer Remote Control listing, learn more about the offering on TeamViewer’s website, and use the Help Center to learn more about using add-ons with Google Meet.

TeamViewer launched as a featured Meet add-on to enable remote IT support

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.

Gemini reports now include user-level usage, including app usage insights

We’re incorporating additional data in Gemini reports to help our customers gain a deeper understanding of Gemini usage and adoption across their organizations. Gemini reports now include user and app level Gemini usage and adoption data based on the last 28 days of usage. | Learn more about Gemini reports.

Access and sort shared files more easily in Google Chat conversations

The Shared tab is now available in 1:1 direct messages and group messages, enabling easier collaboration across all conversation types. | Learn more about the shared tab in Chat.

Google Cloud Directory Sync now complies with your conflicting accounts management settings

When Google Cloud Directory Sync (GCDS) attempts to create new users, it may encounter unmanaged accounts that conflict with the accounts it’s attempting to create. In these instances, GCDS will now comply with the conflicting accounts management settings specified in the Admin console. | Learn more about Google Cloud Directory Sync.

Google Meet Add-ons SDK is now generally available

The Meet Add-ons SDK is now generally available for the web, which allows developers to iframe their app into Meet, and lets meeting participants interact with the app’s content directly inside the Meet canvas. | Learn more about Meet Add-ons SDK.

Improving the Google Workspace Marketplace app publishing experience with Drafts

Developers can now make changes to their app listing, save them as a draft, and send the draft version to review. | Learn more about app list drafts.

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 and Scheduled Release Domains:

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

Source: Google Workspace Updates

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap – September 6, 2024

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.

Improved user experience for Google Meet on Android devices

If you’re joining a Google Meet call from Android phone, tablets or large screen devices, you’ll now see a more streamlined, space-efficient experience with edge-to-edge video. We’ve expanded the video feed to encompass spaces where there were previously margins around the video feed. This helps provide a richer, more immersive viewing experience. You’ll also notice a sleeker user interface for meeting controls, and clearer indicators for information such as the meeting title. | Rollout to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains is complete. | Available now for all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about joining a meeting.

tablet - Improved user experience for Google Meet on Android devices

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.

Gemini (gemini.google.com) now shows related content links in its responses

You can now access additional information on topics directly in Gemini’s (gemini.google.com) responses to your prompts. Specifically, you’ll see links to related content in responses to fact-seeking prompts — you can click the arrow chips to dive deeper into the topic. If you have a Gemini for Workspace license and Google Workspace extensions in Gemini are enabled, Gemini will also now include inline links to relevant emails referenced in responses where the Gmail extension is used. | Learn more about related content links shown in Gemini.

View your most relevant Google Drive folders and files on a single page

You will now see a combined, unified view for file and folder suggestions on the Drive homepage that leverages machine learning to help you find and organize your most relevant content faster and intuitively. | Learn more about the view in Drive.

Empowering Google Workspace customers to take control of their emissions with Electricity Maps

To help our customers continue to understand and measure the carbon intensity of their cloud computing, we have partnered with Electricity Maps to provide hourly emissions data within the Carbon Footprint report. | Learn more about Electricity Maps.

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:

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

Source: Google Workspace Updates

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap – August 30, 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.

The AppSheet Admin Console is now available in public preview

For the first time, Workspace admins will have visibility into the users, apps and licenses associated with their AppSheet users via the AppSheet Admin Console. Previously, these advanced monitoring capabilities were limited to AppSheet Enterprise customers. Now all Workspace admins with the AppSheet service privilege can use this data to gain a deeper understanding about how their users are interacting with AppSheet. With the AppSheet Admin Console, you can view all the app users across any of your organization’s apps, review the most popular apps and creators, and more. Admins can also take actions like exporting a list of accounts, users, apps, and licenses for their organization or set the role of users in their organization. Eligible customers can access the AppSheet Admin Console using this direct link or clicking out from Apps > Google Workspace > Settings for AppSheet in the Workspace Admin Console. | The open beta for the AppSheet Admin Console is available now for AppSheet Enterprise customers and AppSheet Core entitled customers. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about using the AppSheet Admin Console.

Google Workspace for Education users can now set and share personal pronouns and name pronunciation

Google Workspace for Education admins of K-12 and higher education institutions can now give their students the option to set their pronouns from their Google Account at aboutme.google.com. This option is OFF by default and can be enabled for all users or a subset of them (such as for a specific location or class). User-defined pronouns will appear in personal information cards displayed when hovering over or clicking someone’s profile photo across Workspace apps like Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Chat, and Drive. Pronouns will also appear in Google Contacts, accessed by clicking “Open detailed view” from the personal information cards. | Pronouns are rolling out now to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains. | The ability to add name pronunciation will be available by the end of Q3, 2024. | Available to all Google Workspace for Education customers. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about allowing Directory users to change their pronouns and changing pronouns in your Google Account settings.

EDU - personal pronouns and name pronunciation

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.

Automate your workflows on Google Chat with IFTTT and UKG Flow integrations

Following the announcement at Google Cloud Next 2024, we’re excited to introduce Google Chat integrations with IFTTT and UKG Flow. | Learn more about Chat integrations with IFTTT and UKG Flow.

Picture-in-picture in Google Meet will now open automatically when switching tabs

Picture-in-picture mode will now automatically trigger when you switch tabs during a meeting. | Learn more about picture-in-picture in Meet.

Business Starter customers will soon have access to shared drives

Business Starter will officially have access to shared drives starting mid-September. When shared drives are made available to Business Starter customers, all users will be able to create shared drives by default. If this default behavior is undesired, admins can update their settings before Business Starter users gain access to the feature starting on September 23, 2024. | Learn more about shared drives for Business Starter.

Reply to emails in Gmail faster on Android devices

You can now reply to emails directly from the bottom of the conversation, without opening a new screen, making it easier to reference the email you’re replying to. | Learn more about replying to emails on Android.

Upload additional types of documents to Gemini (gemini.google.com) for insights and analysis

Google Workspace users with a Gemini Business, Enterprise, Education or Education Premium license can now upload a variety of files from Google Drive or locally from your device into Gemini. | Learn more about document upload with Gemini.

“Take notes for me” in Google Meet is now available

“Take notes for me” is an AI-powered feature in Google Meet that automatically takes notes, allowing you to focus on discussion, collaboration, and presentation during your meetings. | Learn more about “Take notes for me”

Google Meet provides consolidated email for all meeting artifacts

Currently, Google Meet sends an email for each type of meeting artifact initiated in a meeting, including meeting recordings, meeting transcripts, Gemini notes with “take notes for me,” live streams and more. Going forward, you’ll receive one email consolidating these artifacts. | Learn more about Meet’s meeting artifacts.

Customize Gemini (gemini.google.com) for your specific needs with Gems

Gems are now available to Google Workspace customers with a Gemini Business, Enterprise, Education, or Education Premium add-on. | Learn more about Gems.

Gmail Q&A: A new way of searching your inbox with Gemini on Android devices

Gmail Q&A feature is rolling out now on Android devices and coming soon to iOS. | Learn more about Gemini in Gmail.

Additional data protection in Gemini (gemini.google.com) when using a school account is now available

Earlier this year, we brought Gemini for Google Workspace to education communities with two new paid add-ons. At that time, we announced that educators and students 18 years and older who did not have a Gemini Education license would soon get added data protection when using Gemini (gemini.google.com) as an Additional Service with their school accounts. Beginning this week, that added data protection is now available — free of charge. | Learn more about data protection in Gemini.

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:

Google Meet annotation updates for mobile devices

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).

Source: Google Workspace Updates

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap – August 23, 2024

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.

Send emails about your files to collaborators using the sharing dialog in Workspace apps

Once a file is shared, you have the option to “notify” someone when they’ve been added to view, comment on, or edit a file. We’re building upon this by introducing the ability to send an email to any collaborator if you are a file owner or editor. This is especially useful if you’ve recently made updates to the content or if you’d like to pose a question to the group. To email collaborators, click “Share” > click on the “Email people on this file” icon next to “People with access” > select the email recipients and add a custom message. | Rolling out to Rapid Release domains now; launch to Scheduled Release domains planned for August 26, 2024. | Available to Google Workspace customers, Google Workspace Individual subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. | Visit the Help Center to 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.

Expanding multi-party-approvals to domain-wide-delegation actions

We’re expanding multi-party approvals to include domain-wide-delegation. Domain-wide-delegation is a powerful feature which allows admins to grant third-party applications permission to access your Workspace users’ data. | Learn more about domain-wide-delegation actions.

Introducing Student Groups in Google Classroom

There is a new feature in Google Classroom that enables teachers to create groups of students to make assigning differentiated content easier. | Learn more about student groups in Classroom.

Refine emails faster with updates to Help me write in Gmail

We’ve introduced two new Gemini in Gmail updates to help you draft emails even faster: 1) a new option for Help me write that polishes emails drafts on web and mobile devices and 2) Help me write and Refine my draft shortcuts on Android and iOS devices. | Learn more about Help me write in Gmail.

Google Meet increases ultra-low latency live streaming support to 100,000 viewers in distributed audiences

For select Google Workspace editions*, we’re pleased to announce that the Google Meet ultra-low latency viewing experience for live streamed meetings will now support up to 100,000 viewers. In addition, the Google Meet ultra-low latency viewing experience for live streamed meetings is now available also from Google Meet room hardware. | Learn more about Meet ultra-low latency live streaming.

Third-party smart chip resource creation now available in Google Docs

We’re enabling third-party partners, such as Lucidspark, Lucidchart, and Zoho Projects, to create smart chips or resources like tasks or flowcharts that end users can add and edit in their Google Docs. | Learn more about third-party smart chips in Docs.

New host controls for add-ons in Google Meet

We’re giving meeting hosts and co-hosts the ability to control the use of add-ons during meetings* with a new setting. | Learn more about host controls in 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:

Manage all Calendar interop settings from the Admin console

Scheduled Release Domains:

Rapid and Scheduled Release Domains:

Paused rollouts

We have paused the rollout for this feature while we evaluate performance and quality. We will provide an update with new rollout information as soon as possible.

Use intelligent suggestions for table conversion in Google Sheets

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

Source: Google Workspace Updates

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap – August 16, 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.

Save files scanned in the Google Drive Android app as a .JPEG

Currently, users can scan files as PDFs with their Android mobile device using the Google Drive app. This week, we’re excited to announce that users can now choose whether to save scanned files as a PDF or a JPEG. | 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. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about scanning files with your mobile device.

file scanned in Drive Android app saved as JPEG

Google Meet on Android is now available for Logitech Rally Bar Huddle

Google Meet on Android is now officially supported on Logitech’s Rally Bar Huddle appliance for small collaboration rooms and huddle spaces. After initial setup, admins can easily enroll, manage, and monitor these devices using the Google Admin console. Google Meet on Android for Logitech Rally Bar Huddle is supported on CollabOS v1.13. | Visit Logitech’s website for more information on purchasing a room kit.

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.

Manage all Calendar interop settings from the Admin console

All Calendar interoperability settings will now be housed in the Admin console at Apps > Google Workspace > Settings for Calendar > Calendar Interop management. This will make it easier for admins to view and manage their interop setups. | Learn more about Calendar Interop.

Google Meet hardware event logs are now available in the security investigation tool and BigQuery

We’re pleased to announce a new set of features to help you conduct deeper analysis and more flexible issue detection within your Google Meet hardware fleet. | Learn more about event logs for Meet hardware.

Chat safer with new settings for students in Google Chat

We're introducing a new setting that enables education admins to restrict which users can create and manage members in Google Chat conversations. | Learn more about admin controls for Chat.

Use intelligent suggestions for table conversion in Google Sheets

If you have a meaningful range of data, Sheets will show a “Convert to table” suggestion when you click into your data range. By hovering over that indicator, you can preview the suggestion and then convert your range to a table in one click. | Learn more about suggestions for table conversion in Sheets.

View and structure Google Form data as a table in Google Sheets

We're introducing a new feature that enables users to more easily view and structure their Google Form data in Sheets. | Learn more about Form data in Sheets.

Save time managing your Meet Hardware fleet with new device filters

As we continue to make improvements for managing Meet Hardware fleets, we’re introducing eighteen additional filters in the Admin console. | Learn more about new Hardware device filters.

SOC compliance for Gemini

We’re pleased to announce for Gemini for Workspace licensed users that: 1) Gemini for Google Workspace—including Gemini in the side panel of Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides—is now SOC 1, SOC 2, and SOC 3 compliant. 2) Chatting with Gemini at gemini.google.com is now SOC 2 and SOC 3 compliant. We plan to achieve SOC 1 compliance later this year. | Learn more about SOC compliance for Gemini.

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:

Paused rollouts

We have paused the rollout for this feature while we evaluate performance and quality. We will provide an update with new rollout information as soon as possible.

Request to join spaces in Google Chat (web only)

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

Source: Google Workspace Updates

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap – August 9, 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.

Appointment slots booking pages are no longer available in Google Calendar

Earlier this year, we announced that the appointment slots feature will be replaced by appointment schedules in Google Calendar. Starting this week, appointment slots booking pages will no longer be available and all new appointments will need to be booked through appointment schedules. | Rollout to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains is scheduled to complete by the end of August 2024. | Appointment schedules are available to Google Workspace Business Starter, Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Education Fundamentals, Education Standard, Education Plus, the Teaching and Learning Upgrade, Nonprofits, Google Workspace Individual, Google One Premium users and users with personal Google accounts. | Visit the Help Center for detailed information about appointment schedules.

Dark mode now available in Google Classroom on mobile

Similar to the recent announcement of dark mode in Google Drive, users will now be able to change the color theme of Google Classroom on their mobile device. This new setting aims to provide users with a more comfortable, customizable viewing experience and also reduces battery usage. | Available to Google Workspace Education Fundamentals, Standard, Plus, the Teaching & Learning Upgrade customers. | Rollout to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains is complete. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about using Dark Mode in Classroom.

New automation event for AppSheet databases is now generally available

We’re excited to announce the general availability of AppSheet database automation events, allowing users to kick off automation workflows based on changes made directly in their AppSheet database. | Available to AppSheet Free, AppSheet Core and AppSheet Enterprise Plus. Google Workspace editions that include AppSheet Core can be viewed here. | Rollout to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains is complete. | Visit the AppSheet community to learn more about this feature and check out the Help Center to get instructions for building your first automation using an AppSheet database.

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.

Available in open beta: configure third-party apps by select API scopes

We’re giving admins another layer of granular control for third-party apps. Specifically, you can now configure apps to be limited by selected OAuth 2.0 Scopes for Google APIs, such as Drive or Gmail scopes. | Learn more about the beta to configure third-party apps by select API scopes.

Providing student engagement signals for Google Drive file attachments in Google Classroom

We’re introducing a new feature that surfaces richer student engagement data on assignments with Google Drive attachments in Google Classroom. With this update, teachers will have easily accessible visibility into whether students have made progress on assignments with Drive attachments through pre-existing workflows in Classroom. | Learn more about Drive file attachments in Classroom.

“Take notes for me” in Google Meet is rolling out soon; pre-configure access with a new admin setting

“Take notes for me,” an AI-powered feature in Google Meet that automatically takes notes during your meetings, will be rolling out soon. Prior to end user availability, admins can now configure whether their users can use this Google AI note-taking feature with a new Admin console setting. | Learn more about the admin setting for “Take notes for me.”

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:

All new appointments need to be booked through appointment schedules in Google Calendar (Disabling the creation of appointment slots)
Import and export Markdown in Google Docs

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).

Source: Google Workspace Updates

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap – August 2, 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.

More granular control for Google Apps Script

We’re introducing a new toggle in the Admin console that adds controls for who can access and execute Google Apps Script scripts.

Users who have Apps Script turned on can use it to create, edit, and execute Apps Script scripts.
When disabled, end users can’t create or edit scripts and script and trigger executions are blocked.

By default, Apps Script is turned on for all users in an organization. To change this setting, navigate to the Admin console > Apps > Google Workspace > Drive and Docs > Google Apps Script. This setting will not take effect if the entire Drive and Docs Service is turned OFF. | Rolling out now to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains. | Available to Google Workspace customers. | Learn more about turning Apps Script on or off for users.

Improving tables in Google Sheets

Following our announcement of tables in Google Sheets, we’re excited to introduce improvements to the experience. More specifically, you can now:

1. Add table rows (anywhere in a table) and columns (to the right of a table) from an easy button at the edge of a table.

Add table rows and columns from an easy button at the edge of a table.

2. Automatically set column types when converting a range to a table.

3. Drag values down or across to auto-fill cells, which expands the table automatically.

4. Use spaces in table names, meaning you can name something “Project tracker” instead of “Project_tracker”.

Rollout to Rapid Release domains for #2 is complete; launch to Scheduled Release domains planned for August 5, 2024. | Rolling out to Rapid Release domains now for #1, #3 and #4; launch to Scheduled Release domains planned for August 14, 2024. | Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about using tables in Google Sheets.

Google Meet annotation updates for mobile devices

Earlier this year, we announced annotations for Google Meet, which made it possible for presenters and their appointed co-annotators to highlight content or make other notations over presented content. Beginning today, Android users can appoint co-annotators. Previously on Android devices, it was only possible for presenters to use annotations. | Rolling out now to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains. | Available to Google Workspace Business Starter, Standard, and Plus; Enterprise Starter, Standard, and Plus; Frontline Starter and Standard; Essentials, Enterprise Essentials, and Enterprise Essentials Plus; Education Standard, Plus, the Teaching & Learning Upgrade; Workspace Individual subscribers. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about using annotations in Google Meet.

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.

Catch up on followed threads from the home shortcut in Google Chat

We’re introducing the ability to follow and review threads within the home shortcut in Chat. | Learn more about threads in home.

Gemini in the side panel of Google Drive introduces a new PDF viewing experience

You can now interact with the Gemini side panel while viewing PDFs. | Learn more about PDF viewing with Gemini.

Allowlist and Audit Logs for URLs accessed from Google Apps Script and Google Sheets

Admins can now monitor which URLs are being accessed by referencing new logs that we’re adding to the audit and investigation page. Admins can then create an allowlist that controls which of those URLs they’d like to enable/disable. | Learn more about accessed URLs.

Prevent downloading, printing, or copying files by combining Data Loss Prevention rules with Context-Aware Access conditions

Today, we’re expanding protections by enabling admins to combine DLP rules with Context-Aware Access conditions. | Learn more about combining rules and conditions.

Admins can now centrally set default grading settings for teachers in their district

Classroom admins can now centrally set default grading settings for teachers in their district using the Admin console. | Learn more about default grading settings.

Educators can now create new classes in Google Classroom using SIS data and import grading periods from the SIS

Teachers can now create new classes by importing information such as student rosters, co-teachers, grading categories, and grading periods from their SIS. Also, teachers can now import their grading periods from their student information systems (SIS) into Classroom. | Learn more about new SIS capabilities.

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:

Adding Data Loss Prevention (DLP) to form content in Google Forms

Scheduled Release Domains:

Enhancing the Google Calendar appointment scheduling experience with additional features

Rapid and Scheduled Release Domains:

Paused rollouts

We have paused the rollout for this feature while we evaluate performance and quality. We will provide an update with new rollout information as soon as possible.

Enhancing your productivity on Android devices with new features in Gmail and Google Chat apps

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

Source: Google Workspace Updates

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap – July 26, 2024

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.

Allow dropdown chips to have multiple selections in Google Sheets

Previously, dropdowns could only have one value selected in Google Sheets. Starting this week, we’re introducing the ability to allow for multiple selections within a dropdown. This functionality is useful in scenarios when multiple project milestones, statuses, or teams are applicable for one item. | Rolling out to Rapid Release domains now; launch to Scheduled Release domains planned for August 12, 2024. | Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. | Learn more about inserting dropdown chips in 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.

Google Drive inventory reporting is now available in open beta

Google Drive inventory reporting is now available in open beta, providing admins with enhanced visibility into the state of their data assets. | Learn more about Drive inventory reporting.

Reduce live-stream bandwidth consumption to a fraction of the traffic volume with eCDN for Google Meet

In September 2023, we introduced ultra-low latency livestreaming and since then we’ve introduced several improvements for the overall experience. This week, we’re excited to introduce the latest enhancement for ultra-low latency live streaming: Enterprise Content Delivery Network (eCDN) support for Google Meet. | Learn more about reducing live-stream bandwidth.

Adding Data Loss Prevention (DLP) to form content in Google Forms

We’re continually investing in data protection capabilities for Google Forms. We’ve already enabled data loss prevention (DLP) for Google Drive policies that apply to files submitted in external Forms, including Forms from external organizations. To expand on this, we’re announcing that DLP policies for form content in Google Forms is now generally available. | Learn more about DLP with Forms.

Enable Classification labels on specific Google Workspace applications

To improve granularity in enabling & governing labels, we are replacing and improving the existing “Labels” setting within Apps > Google Workspace > Drive & Docs and adding label-level application toggles to the Label Manager tool. | Learn more about classification labels on Workspace apps.

Introducing Google Meet LTI™

To help improve remote and hybrid learning, we’re introducing Google Meet LTI™ for Canvas by Instructure and PowerSchool Schoology Learning. This builds on the existing Google Workspace Learning Interoperability Tools including Assignments LTI™ and Google Drive LTI™. | Learn more about Meet LTI™

Improved collaboration with Google Workspace LTI™ integrations in PowerSchool Schoology Learning

In order to bring the collaborative power of Google Workspace for Education to even more partners, we’re excited to announce updated Google Workspace LTI™ integrations in Schoology. | Learn more about Workspace LTI™ integration in PowerSchool Schoology.

Automatically generated captions for videos in Google Drive

Starting this week, when you upload a video to Google Drive, captions for the video can be automatically generated. | Learn more about generated captions for Drive videos.

Label administration is becoming more discoverable and flexible in the Admin console

We’re introducing several changes to make labels more discoverable and flexible for organizations. | Learn more about labels in the Admin console.

AI Classification in Google Drive is now available for the Gemini Education Premium add-on

We’re expanding the availability of AI Classification in Google Drive to Google Workspace for Education customers with the Gemini Education Premium add-on. | Learn more about AI Classification in Drive.

Enhancing your productivity on Android devices with new features in Gmail and Google Chat apps

We’re introducing numerous improvements across the Gmail and Google Chat apps on Android foldables and tablets in order to enhance your productivity when using these devices. | Learn more about Android features in Gmail and Google Chat apps.

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:

Import and export Markdown in Google Docs
All new appointments need to be booked through appointment schedules in Google Calendar (Disabling the creation of appointment slots)

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).

Source: Google Workspace Updates

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap – July 19, 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.

All new appointments need to be booked through appointment schedules in Google Calendar

Earlier this year, we announced that the appointment slots feature will be replaced by appointment schedules in Google Calendar. Starting this week, only appointment schedules can be created. In a couple of weeks, the appointment slots booking pages will no longer be available. At that time, all new appointments will need to be booked through appointment schedules. | Appointment schedules are available to Google Workspace Business Starter, Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Education Fundamentals, Education Standard, Education Plus, the Teaching and Learning Upgrade, Nonprofits, Google Workspace Individual customers and Google One Premium users. | Visit the Help Center for detailed information about appointment schedules.

Available in beta: migrate sensitive files to Google Drive with client-side encryption

We are making it easier to programmatically import sensitive files to Google Drive with client-side encryption by providing code samples on Github. Eligible admins can apply for beta access to this Drive API feature using this form. | Available to Google Workspace Enterprise Plus; Education Standard and Education Plus.

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.

Google Classroom now supports exporting grades and importing rosters and grade settings with PowerSchool SIS

Google Classroom teachers can now export and import select information via the new integration with PowerSchool SIS. | Learn more about the integration with Classroom and PowerSchool SIS.

Teachers will soon be able to create a new class in Google Classroom using Student Information System (SIS) data

In the coming weeks, we will be introducing a new feature that allows teachers to set up a Google Classroom class using information directly imported from an SIS, including co-teachers, student rosters and class lists, grading categories and grading periods. Please note this feature is only available with our current SIS partners. | Learn more about creating new classes in Classroom using SIS data.

Google Workspace extensions for Gmail, Google Drive and Google Docs are now available in open beta for Gemini (gemini.google.com)

We’re pleased to announce Google Workspace extensions for Gmail, Google Drive and Google Docs are available for Gemini (gemini.google.com). When enabled, Gemini will be able to cross reference these apps as data sources to better inform its responses. | Learn more about the beta for Gemini (gemini.google.com).

Import and export Markdown in Google Docs

We’re introducing highly-requested features that enhance Docs' interoperability with other Markdown supporting tools. | Learn more about markdown in Docs.

Clearer re-enrollment for Google Meet hardware devices

We're updating the way Google Meet hardware devices are re-enrolled to provide a more intuitive experience for administrators. | Learn more about re-enrollment for Meet hardware devices.

Available in beta: Policy Visualization across Google Docs, Sheets, Slides and Drive

Users who are interacting with policy-protected content, such as those with data loss prevention (DLP) rules or trust rules, will now be proactively informed about what actions are prevented by those policies. | Learn more about policy visualization.

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:

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).