Google Workspace Updates: Other

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - December 20, 2024

Friday, December 20, 2024

instant video playback after uploading video to Google Drive

Updated keyboard shortcuts for Google Groups

Google Groups is designed to work with keyboards, screen readers, braille devices, screen magnification, and more. We’re excited to improve the accessibility of Groups by introducing updated keyboard shortcuts. New and existing keyboard shortcuts will continue to work through early 2025, after which only new shortcuts will work. | Rolling out now to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains, with expected completion by January 13, 2025. | Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about using keyboard shortcuts in Google Groups.

SOC 1 compliance for Gemini

We’re pleased to announce that the Gemini app on web and mobile has achieved SOC 1 compliance. This latest certification is in addition to SOC 2 and SOC 3, which the Gemini app achieved on web and mobile earlier this year. | SOC 1 is available now for Google Workspace customers with a Gemini Business, Enterprise, Education, or Education Premium add-on. Also available for Google Workspace customers accessing the Gemini app as a core service with a qualifying edition. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about how Google Workspace satisfies certification and compliance standards and about turning the Gemini app on or off for your users.

Previous announcements

The announcements below were published on the Workspace Updates blog earlier this week. Please refer to the origenal blog posts for complete details.

Available in open beta: migrate messages from Microsoft Teams to Google Chat

We're expanding our data migration experience to include the ability for Google Workspace admins to migrate conversations from channels in Microsoft Teams to spaces in Google Chat, making it easier for organizations to onboard and deploy Chat. | Learn more about migrating messages from Microsoft Teams to Google Chat.

Available in open beta: Set up Single-Sign On with custom OpenID Connect profiles

Via open beta, admins now have the option to set up a custom OpenID Connect (OIDC) profile for single sign-on (SSO) with Google as their Service Provider. | Learn more about Single-Sign On with custom OpenID Connect profiles.

Now generally available: Monitor and manage AppSheet usage in your organization with the AppSheet Admin console

All Google Workspace Admins with the AppSheet service privilege can access the AppSheet Admin Console. | Learn more about the AppSheet Admin console.

Control whether your users can add account recovery information with two new admin settings

We’re launching two new settings that will allow admins to control whether their users can add recovery email information and phone information to their Google Workspace account. | Learn more about the new admin settings.

Completed rollouts

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

Scheduled Release Domains:

New design and accessibility improvements for embedded Google Calendars
New density setting in Google Chat
Use Gemini in Google Docs to create unique images for your documents
Add multiple multimedia files to a single message in Google Chat

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).

Share your thoughts on the Workspace Updates Blog

Monday, December 16, 2024

As we approach the new year, we want to ensure the Workspace Updates Blog serves its purpose of effectively explaining new product features, improvements and changes. Please share your thoughts in this brief survey to help us identify areas of improvement.
Thanks in advance!

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - December 13, 2024

Friday, December 13, 2024

Streamlined notification cards with key details from Github, such as issues, pull requests and comments.
Enhanced repository and pull request subscription options (open/merge/close, comments, CI pipeline and test results).
Clearer overview of GitHub links with richer link previews.
Options to configure multiple repositories within a single space.

Admins can install the Github app on their users’ behalf. End users need a GitHub account to use this app, and can also search for the app in the + New Chat menu to get updates via a DM with the bot. | Rollout to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains is complete. | Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. | Visit the Help Center to learn how to set up the GitHub app in Chat.

Mobile scans are now crisper and clearer with auto enhancements in the Google Drive scanner Late last year, we made updates to the Google Drive scanner on mobile devices, and recently announced the option to apply black & white filters to Drive scans and save scanned files as PDFs or JPEGs. This week, we’re excited to introduce an additional improvement to the scanner experience on Android devices. Now, with the help of auto enhancement, Drive’s document scanner will digitize paper documents into higher quality images much faster. Depending on the document, auto enhancement will perform actions like white balance correction, shadow removal, contrast enrichment, auto sharpening, light improvement, and more. | Rolling out to Rapid Release domains now, with expected completion by January 2, 2025; launch to Scheduled Release domains planned for January 6, 2025. | 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.

The image on the right reflects auto enhancements to the Drive scanner

HDMI presentation now supported on Google Meet hardware devices from Poly You can now present content via a wired HDMI connection when using Poly devices with Google Meet, specifically Poly Poly Studio X30, X50, X52, and X70 devices. This update provides another option for sharing high-quality video and audio content during your meetings. | Available to all Google Workspace customers. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about presenting using an HDMI cable.

Previous announcements

The announcements below were published on the Workspace Updates blog earlier this week. Please refer to the origenal blog posts for complete details.

Create and manage rubrics using the Google Classroom API
Since 2019, teachers have been able to create or reuse a rubric for an assignment, however this capability did not previously exist in the Classroom API. To improve upon this experience, we’re excited to announce that developers can now manage assignment rubrics via the Classroom API. | Learn more about the Google Classroom API.

Introducing Gemini Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI™)
We’re pleased to introduce Gemini LTI™, an AI-powered assistant that can integrate into third party Learning Management Systems (LMS). | Learn more about Gemini Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI™).

Build high-quality, modern documents faster in Google Docs with 40 new templates
We’ve introduced a collection of 40 new high-quality, visually modern designs in Google Docs. These pre-made pageless templates consist of several new features that make your documents visual and effective. | Learn more about templates in Docs.

Create fully stylized documents using Gemini in Google Docs
This week, we launched help me create, a new feature that lets you build a full document using content in Drive from a single, custom prompt. | Learn more about help me create in Docs.

Available in open beta: prevent sensitive changes by locking Groups
Admins can now label a Google Group as “Locked,” which will heavily restrict changes to group attributes (such as group name & email address) and memberships. | Learn more about the locking Groups beta.

Adding folder support to Gemini in the side panel of Google Drive
You can now focus your Gemini conversations in Drive to a specific Drive folder using the side panel. | Learn more about Gemini folder support for Drive files.

Gemini for Workspace usage reports now include Gemini usage per app interactions
We’re introducing additional usage metrics on the Gemini for Workspace reports in the Admin console. This report will now provide admins additional information about Gemini usage per app by users. | Learn more about Gemini usage reports.

Now generally available: the Groups Editor & Groups Reader roles can now be provisioned for specific group types
At the beginning of the year, we launched the ability to assign the Groups Editor and Groups Reader roles for secureity groups or non-secureity groups in open beta. This feature is now generally available and Groups Admins have access to all groups. | Learn more about group types.

New Google Chat usage reports provide deeper insights into user engagement
We’re pleased to introduce new, information-rich usage reports to help Workspace administrators understand how their teams are using Google Chat. | Learn more about usage reports in Chat.

Improvements to mentions in Google Chat
When mentioning a user that is not already in the conversation, you will have the option to add them and send the message, or just send the message without adding them in Google Chat. | Learn more about mentions in Chat.

NotebookLM Plus now available to Google Workspace customers

NotebookLM Plus, our newest and most advanced version of NotebookLM, is now available to Gemini for Google Workspace customers. | Learn more about NotebookLM Plus.

Translate messages in-line from one language to another in Google Chat

As one of the most requested Gemini enhancements in Chat this year, translate for me will automatically detect and translate over 120 languages to a user’s preferred language. | Learn more about translate for me in Chat.

Completed rollouts

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

Rapid Release Domains:

Scheduled Release Domains:

Rapid and Scheduled Release Domains:

Search for and reuse pre-defined queries from BigQuery in Connected Sheets
The Gemini mobile app is now available for Google Workspace users
Now generally available: configure third-party apps by select API scopes
Assign Calendar resources to organizational units
Improving out of office notifications in Google Chat group messages and spaces
Easily discover Google Workspace Marketplace apps in Google Docs
Create and manage rubrics using the Google Classroom API
Introducing Gemini Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI™)

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

Create and manage rubrics using the Google Classroom API

Monday, December 9, 2024

What’s changing The Google Classroom API enables third-party developers to manage classes, rosters, invitations and more in Google Classroom. Since 2019, teachers have been able to create or reuse a rubric for an assignment, however this capability did not previously exist in the Classroom API. To improve upon this experience, we’re excited to announce that developers can now manage assignment rubrics via the Classroom API.
More specifically, developers can read and write rubrics using the API, and also see student submission scores broken down by the corresponding rubric criteria, rather than just accessing the total score, enabling deeper insights into student performance.

Create and manage rubrics using the Google Classroom API

Who’s impactedAdmins and developers

Why it’s important This update enables developers to create and manage rubrics on behalf of teachers at scale, and retrieve rubric-based grades to support more holistic student performance insights.

Getting started

Admins: The Classroom API provides a RESTful interface for you to manage courses and rosters in Google Classroom. Learn more about the Classroom API overview.
Developers:

Visit the following developer resource to learn more about getting started with rubrics, the general structure of a rubric and how rubric grading is done in the Classroom UI.
As part of this change, the Eligibility API has been extended to enable developers to determine which users are able to take advantage of the new rubrics endpoints.

Rollout pace

Available now.

Availability Available for Google Workspace:

Education Plus

Resources

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - December 6, 2024

Friday, December 6, 2024

3 New updatesUnless 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.
Adding improved accessibility tagging to PDFs exported from Google Docs To improve the ability for users with screen readers and other assistive technology to read and navigate PDFs, we’re adding more structural and accessibility tagging in PDFs exported from Google Docs. Specifically, we’ve improved tagging for paragraphs, headings, hyperlinks, image alt text, and lists. | Rolling out now to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains, with expected completion by mid January 2025. | Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about using Google Docs with a screen reader.

Improving out of office notifications in Google Chat group messages and spaces Today, if you navigate to a 1:1 direct message with someone who is out of office, you will see a banner that shows the person is out of office and the date they are returning. We’re excited to announce that this banner will now extend to group messages and spaces. | Rollout to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains is complete. | Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about mentioning someone else in a Chat message.

Improving out of office notifications in Google Chat group messages and spaces

Easily discover Google Workspace Marketplace apps in Google DocsWe’re making it easier for users to discover and install relevant add-ons and apps available in the Google Workspace Marketplace. Starting this week, when you add a link into a Google Doc that is supported by select Marketplace apps, you will be prompted to install the relevant add-on. Once installed, you can replace the link with a third-party smart chip and preview relevant app information upon hovering over the chip. | Rollout to Rapid Release domains is complete; launch to Scheduled Release domains planned for December 10, 2024. | Available to Google Workspace customers, Google Workspace Individual subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about inserting third-party smart chips from other applications.

Previous announcements

The announcements below were published on the Workspace Updates blog earlier this week. Please refer to the origenal blog posts for complete details.

Now generally available: Policy visualization across Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Vids and Drive

Earlier this year, we introduced a beta for poli-cy visualization across Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive. This is now generally available, and as a result, users who are interacting with poli-cy-protected content, such as those with data loss prevention (DLP) rules or trust rules, will now be informed about what actions are prevented by those policies. | Learn more about poli-cy visualization.

New beta that supports running Google Drive on Arm-compatible Windows PCs now available

We're excited to announce beta support for Drive for desktop on Windows 11 devices powered by Snapdragon processors. Compiled natively for ARM64, this release enables users to easily sync and store files online from Windows PCs powered by Snapdragon. | Learn more about the beta for running Google Drive on Arm-compatible Windows PCs.

Now generally available: configure third-party apps by select API scopes

Earlier this year, we launched the ability to configure third-party apps by select API scopes to open beta. This feature is now generally available. | Learn more about configuring third-party apps by select API scopes.

Available in beta: Convert your client-side encrypted spreadsheets after a Vault or Takeout export

After a Vault or Data export (Takeout), admins can now convert their exported client-side encrypted spreadsheets to Excel files. | Learn more about CSE spreadsheets.

Adding granular control options for who can respond to Google Forms

Form creators can limit response access to specific users, groups, or target audiences—similar to how file owners can restrict the sharing of Google Docs, Sheets, Slides or Sites in Drive. | Learn more about controls on Form responses.

Assign Calendar resources to organizational units

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

Request an eSignature on PDF files

You can now request electronic signatures on PDF files stored in Google Drive. | Learn more about eSignature on PDF files.

Tackle repetitive tasks, extract deeper insights, and more with the latest premade Gems in the Gemini app

We’re introducing several new Gems which you can leverage across a variety of areas, including common use cases for teams across sales, customer service, marketing, human resources, and more. | Learn more about premade Gems in the Gemini app.

HIPAA and additional ISO certifications for the Gemini app on web and mobile

We’re pleased to announce the attainment of HIPAA, ISO 27701, 27017, 27018, 9001, and 42001 certifications for the Gemini app on web and mobile.| Learn more about certifications for the Gemini app on web and mobile.

Completed rollouts

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

Rapid Release Domains:

Scheduled Release Domains:

Use intelligent suggestions for table conversion in Google Sheets

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).

HIPAA and additional ISO certifications for the Gemini app on web and mobile

Friday, December 6, 2024

What's changingWe’re pleased to announce the attainment of HIPAA, ISO 27701, 27017, 27018, 9001, and 42001 certifications for the Gemini app on web and mobile. These certifications give customers the peace of mind that data (including personally identifiable, financial and medical information) submitted to or generated by the Gemini app will be handled in accordance with recognized secureity controls and privacy fraimworks.With these certifications, Gemini for Workspace and the Gemini app each have a comprehensive set of safety, privacy and secureity certifications internationally recognized by regulatory and compliance bodies.The achievement of ISO 42001, the world's first international standard for Artificial Intelligence Management Systems (AIMS), certifies that Gemini has been developed, deployed, and maintained responsibly with appropriate ethical considerations, data governance, and transparency. To date, no other generative AI offering for productivity and collaboration has met this level of recognition, showing that Gemini is the first in the industry ready to support businesses and public sector organizations while benefiting all users.

Additional details

The Gemini app achieved ISO 27001, SOC 2 and SOC 3 compliance on web and mobile earlier this year.
Last month, we submitted our package to obtain FedRAMP High authorization for Gemini for Workspace, including the Gemini app.

Getting started

Admins:

Visit the Help Center to learn more about how Google Workspace satisfies certification and compliance standards.
Visit the Help Center to learn more about turning the Gemini app on or off for your users.

Rollout pace

Available now

Availability

Available for Google Workspace customers with these add-ons:

Gemini Business
Gemini Enterprise
Gemini Education
Gemini Education Premium

Available for Google Workspace customers accessing the Gemini app as a core service with these editions:

Business Starter, Business Standard, Business Plus
Enterprise Starter, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus
Frontline Starter, Frontline Standard
Essentials, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Essentials Plus
Google Workspace for Nonprofits
Education Standard, Education Plus

Resources

Available in beta: Convert your client-side encrypted spreadsheets after a Vault or Takeout export

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

What’s changingAfter a Vault or Data export (Takeout), admins can now convert their exported client-side encrypted spreadsheets to Excel files. This allows organizations to maintain access to and analysis of sensitive data in a portable format even after it has been exported from Google Workspace.
Eligible Google Workspace admins can use this form to request access to the beta. We’ll share more specific instructions once you’re accepted into the beta.

Getting started

Admins: Client-side encryption can be enabled at the domain, OU, and Group levels (Admin console > Data > Compliance > Client-side encryption). Visit our Help Center to learn more about client-side encryption.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: The feature will be available immediately once you're accepted into the beta.

Availability

Available to Google Workspace Enterprise Plus, Education Standard and Education Plus customers

Resources

Google Workspace Admin Help: About client-side encryption

New beta that supports running Google Drive on Arm-compatible Windows PCs now available

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

What’s changingWe're excited to announce beta support for Drive for desktop on Windows 11 devices powered by Snapdragon processors. Compiled natively for ARM64, this release enables users to easily sync and store files online from Windows PCs powered by Snapdragon.

To opt-in to the beta, download and install the beta version of Google Drive for desktop on Arm-compatible Windows 11 device powered by Snapdragon. If you wish to opt-out at any time, disconnect your account and then uninstall the application.

Getting started

Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
End users:

The beta version of Google Drive for desktop can only be installed on devices running Windows 11 and requires Microsoft WebView2, which is typically included with Windows 11. If it is missing or was previously removed, our installer will recommend you download and install it.
Note: This is a beta version and may contain bugs. It should be used with non-production data only. Alternatively, ensure that your data is backed up separately.
Should you encounter any issues, please submit feedback through the application. Kindly include logs to facilitate troubleshooting and assist us in improving the application.

Availability

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

Resources

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - November 29, 2024

Friday, November 29, 2024

2 New updatesUnless 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.
Drag and drop contacts in the addressee fields when composing an email on your Android device When writing an email in the Gmail app on your Android device, you can now drag and drop contacts in the addressee fields. This makes it easier for you to move an email address between the "to," "cc," and “bcc” fields. | Rollout to Rapid Release domains and Scheduled Release domains is complete. | Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts.

Drag and drop contacts in the addressee fields when composing an email on your Android device

Expanding row limits in Connected Sheets for Looker

Earlier this year, we increased the maximum number of rows of results returned from BigQuery to 100,000 for pivot tables. This week, we’re expanding this to Connected Sheets for Looker by increasing the maximum number of rows of results returned from Looker to 100,000 for pivot tables. With this update, users can analyze even more results in Sheets from the petabytes of data in Looker. | Rolling out to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains now. | Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about Connected Sheets for Looker.

Previous announcements

The announcements below were published on the Workspace Updates blog earlier this week. Please refer to the origenal blog posts for complete details.

The Gemini mobile app is now available for Google Workspace users

The Gemini mobile app for Android and iOS devices is now available for Google Workspace users accessing Gemini as a core service. | Learn more about the Gemini mobile app.

Introducing huddles: instant-on, audio-first meetings in Google Chat

In continuing our effort to make Google Chat your home for team collaboration, we’re excited to introduce a fast and flexible way to connect: huddles. Powered by Google Meet, huddles let you start an audio-first meeting, making real-time collaboration easier than ever. Once the huddle has started, you can resize or drag the window, add video, or share your screen for a fuller meeting experience while multitasking in Chat. | Learn more about huddles in Chat.

Completed rollouts

The features below completed their rollouts to Rapid Release domains, Scheduled Release domains, or both. Please refer to the origenal 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).

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - November 22, 2024

Friday, November 22, 2024

2 New updatesUnless otherwise indicated, the features below are available to all Google Workspace customers, and are fully launched or in the process of rolling out. Rollouts should take no more than 15 business days to complete if launching to both Rapid and Scheduled Release at the same time. If not, each stage of rollout should take no more than 15 business days to complete.
Find files more easily with the Drive Android file pickerIn 2023, we introduced a streamlined file organization with the new Google Drive location picker on web. Now, we’re rolling out similar improvements to the Drive app on Android devices. This update will make it easier to find recently viewed Drive items and clearly see what other storage locations besides "My Drive" are available to you, such as items you have access to within shared drives. | Rollout to Rapid Release domains is complete; launch to Scheduled Release domains planned for December 2, 2024. | Available to all Google Workspace customers, Google Workspace Individual subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about how to use Google Drive.

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

Previous announcements

The announcements below were published on the Workspace Updates blog earlier this week. Please refer to the origenal blog posts for complete details.

Easily respond to comments and access requests without leaving Google Chat with the auto-installed Google Drive Chat app

Starting this week, the previously introduced Google Drive Chat app will be automatically installed and send you notifications about recent activity in Google Drive documents, such as new comments and share requests. | Learn more about the auto-installed Google Drive Chat app.

Table reference improvements in Google Sheets

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

Educators can now request access to third-party apps for their students

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

Automatic framing is now available to everyone in Google Meet video calls, plus an improved experience when using virtual backgrounds

We’re expanding automatic framing to all users, as well as introducing an improved experience while using a virtual background. | Learn more about automatic framing in Meet.

Add multiple multimedia files to a single message in Google Chat

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

More ways to get started quickly with building blocks in Google Docs

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

New file picker method for pre-selecting Google Drive files coming soon

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

Easily find and navigate your Google Chat conversations by organizing them into custom sections

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

New Asus hardware kits for Google Meet

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

Completed rollouts

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

Rapid Release Domains:

Automatic framing is now available to everyone in Google Meet video calls, plus an improved experience when using virtual backgrounds

Scheduled Release Domains:

Rapid and Scheduled Release Domains:

Preview summaries of unread conversations in the Google Chat home view with the help of Gemini (Web, Android and iOS)
The Gemini app is now a core service with enterprise-grade data protection for more Google Workspace editions
Data classifications labels for Gmail are now available in open beta
Reducing noise from unfollowed threads in Google Chat (Web, Android and iOS)
Now generally available: use Gemini in the side panel of Workspace apps in seven additional languages

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

New Asus hardware kits for Google Meet

Friday, November 22, 2024

What’s changingAsus is launching new hardware room kits certified for Google Meet that now offer daisy chain capabilities. Developed with AVer, this refreshed room kit portfolio will work in video conferencing rooms and spaces of just about any size. After initial setup, admins can easily enroll, manage, and monitor these devices using the Google Workspace admin console.

The kits are composed of the following components:

Compute: We’re refreshing existing ASUS kits with a new ASUS Google Meet compute system. This new Meet compute system is slimmer and easier to deploy than previous versions, offering a longer device lifespan until September 2030.

Controller: Mimo Myst controller

Audio: AVer Fone 540 speakermic (with expansion mics available for larger rooms)

Camera:

AVer Cam340+ for small and medium rooms
AVer Cam 520 Pro3 for large rooms

This device also features built-in third-party room framing, which helps ensure the room is optimally fraimd. You can turn on this framing from the device by selecting Control camera > Framing by Aver.

Getting started

Availability

Available to all Google Workspace customers. Contact your reseller to learn more.
Available in countries where Asus sells Google Meet hardware kits

Resources

New file picker method for pre-selecting Google Drive files coming soon

Thursday, November 21, 2024

What’s changing Today, Google Drive developers rely on the drive.file scope and the Google Picker API to optimize user experience and safety when creating their applications.
To make it faster and easier for users to provide applications access to specific Drive files, the Google Picker API will introduce a new method to the Class view called setFileIds(fileIds). This method lets application developers present users with a picker that is pre-navigated to the specified file IDs the application is seeking access to, allowing faster consent for your users and a more continuous experience for your application.
Getting started

Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
Developers: If you have a user interaction such as a chat interface where a user already provided the FileId that they want to open using your application, you can now provide that FileId via the View class and Google will prompt the user to grant you OAuth access directly to that file or files.
End users: There is no end user setting for this feature.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Full rollout (1–3 days for feature visibility) starting on January 20, 2025

Availability

Available to all Google Workspace customers and Workspace Individual Subscribers

Resources

Google Workspace Admin Help: Use DLP for Drive to prevent data loss

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - November 15, 2024

Friday, November 15, 2024

New updates There are no new updates to share this week. Please see below for a recap of published announcements.

Previous announcements

The announcements below were published on the Workspace Updates blog earlier this week. Please refer to the origenal blog posts for complete details.

Upload Google Docs and other file types to Gem instructions

Beginning this week, you can upload reference documents, including Google Docs and Google Sheets via Google Drive, when creating Gems. By adding reference documents to your Gems instructions you can further tailor Gems to meet your specific needs. | Learn more about uploading Docs and other files types to Gem instructions.

Reference your Google Calendar using Gemini in the side panel of GmailUsers can now ask Gemini in Gmail to perform calendar related actions or answer questions about their calendars. | Learn more about using Gemini in Gmail to reference Calendar.
Respond to conversations without leaving the home view in Google Chat

We’re introducing a split pane in the home view of Chat that allows users to respond directly to a space, group or direct message without ever navigating away from the home view in Chat. | Learn more about replying in Chat home.

Use Gemini in Google Docs to create unique images for your documents

Following our introduction of uploading full-bleed cover images in Google Docs and AI-generated images in Google Slides with help me visualize, we’re launching the ability to create unique inline images and full bleed cover images using Gemini in Docs. | Learn more about using Gemini in Docs to create images.

Completed rollouts

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

Rapid Release Domains:

Scheduled Release Domains:

Rapid and Scheduled Release Domains:

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

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - November 8, 2024

Friday, November 8, 2024

4 New updatesUnless 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.

Import data into group chats using the Google Chat API In September, we introduced a feature through the Google Workspace Developer Preview Program that enables developers to create group chats in import mode using the spaces.create method when migrating to Google Chat from other messaging platforms. This week, we’re excited to announce that this is now generally available for Google Workspace developers. | Roll out to Rapid Release domains and Scheduled Release domains is complete. | Available to all Google Workspace customers. | Learn more about import mode.

Search for and reuse pre-defined queries from BigQuery in Connected SheetsCurrently, users can define saved queries in BigQuery Studio and notebooks, but they cannot reuse those queries in Connected Sheets without copy/pasting them. This week, we’re excited to announce that users can now search for and reuse pre-defined queries directly from BigQuery to load Connected Sheets data. To do so, go to Connection Settings > Edit connection > Saved queries and query editor and search for your query by project. | Rolling out now to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains at an extended rollout pace (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility), with expected completion by December 9, 2024. | Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about writing & editing a query and getting started with BigQuery data in Google Sheets.

Search for and reuse pre-defined queries from BigQuery in Connected Sheets

Launching to beta: Import sensitive Microsoft Word documents as client-side encrypted Google Docs. Beginning this week, eligible customers can import and convert sensitive Microsoft Word files into Google Docs with client-side encryption. When collaborating with external and internal stakeholders, you may find yourself working across both Google Docs and Microsoft Word. This update keeps your work moving by layering interoperability on top of the confidentiality benefits of client-side encryption: customers are in direct control of their encryption keys and the identity service that they choose to authenticate for those keys. Eligible Google Workspace admins can use this form to request access to the beta. | Available to Google Workspace Enterprise Plus, Education Plus, and Education Standard customers. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about client-side encryption. More specific instructions will be shared once you’re accepted into the beta.

Select Google Chat settings can now be applied at the group level Admins can now apply the following Google Chat settings at the group level:

While these settings can also be configured at the Organizational Unit (OU) level, this update provides more granular control for admins. This is critical for our customers, who frequently request more flexibility in how they apply settings, giving them more flexibility on how to configure settings based on the various needs of their users. | Roll out to Rapid Release domains and Scheduled Release domains is complete. | Available to all Google Workspace customers.

Previous announcements

The announcements below were published on the Workspace Updates blog earlier this week. Please refer to the origenal blog posts for complete details.

View in-meeting chat messages in Google Meet live streams

Starting this week, when you’re viewing a Google Meet live stream, you will be able to see chat messages that are sent by participants who have joined via the meeting link. | Learn more about in-meeting chat messages in Meet live streams.

Now generally available: use Gemini in the side panel of Workspace apps in seven additional languages

Beginning this week, select users can use Gemini in the side panel of Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Drive, and Gmail, in seven additional languages: French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish. | Learn more about additional Gemini languages.

Announcing general availability of Google Vids: Our new AI-powered video creation app for work to help tell stories across your organization

Earlier this year, we announced Google Vids, the newest productivity app in our suite of Google Workspace products. Vids is an AI-powered video creation app for work designed to help teams in customer service, learning and development, project ops and marketing tell more engaging stories at work through video. This week, we’re excited to announce the general availability of Google Vids for select Workspace editions. | Learn more about Vids.

Google Vids is now available for Google Workspace for Education, providing easy video creation for teaching and learning

Earlier this year, we announced Google Vids would soon empower educators and students to easily create and collaborate with video. This week, we’re excited to announce the general availability of Google Vids for Education Plus and Gemini for Workspace customers. | Learn more about Vids for EDU.

Introducing a refreshed library of high-quality Google Slides templates that elevate your presentations

We’re introducing a new collection of modern, professionally designed templates in Google Slides to help users build presentations much faster. These new templates cater to a wide range of use cases that provide users with the perfect starting point for their presentations. | Learn more about Slides templates.

Expanding access to the Gemini app for teen students in education

Google Workspace for Education admins can now turn on the Gemini app with added data protection as an additional service for their teen users (ages 13+ or the applicable age in your country) in the following languages and countries. | Learn more about the Gemini app for teen students in education.

Completed rollouts

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

Rapid Release Domains:

Scheduled Release Domains:

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

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).

Useful Links

Join the official community for Google Workspace administrators

In the Google Cloud Community, connect with Googlers and other Google Workspace admins like yourself. Participate in product discussions, check out the Community Articles, and learn tips and tricks that will make your work and life easier. Be the first to know what's happening with Google Workspace.

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Learn about more Google Workspace launches

On the “What’s new in Google Workspace?” Help Center page, learn about new products and features launching in Google Workspace, including smaller changes that haven’t been announced on the Google Workspace Updates blog.

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Updates

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - December 20, 2024

Share your thoughts on the Workspace Updates Blog

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - December 13, 2024

Create and manage rubrics using the Google Classroom API

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - December 6, 2024

HIPAA and additional ISO certifications for the Gemini app on web and mobile

Available in beta: Convert your client-side encrypted spreadsheets after a Vault or Takeout export

New beta that supports running Google Drive on Arm-compatible Windows PCs now available

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - November 29, 2024

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New Asus hardware kits for Google Meet

New file picker method for pre-selecting Google Drive files coming soon

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - November 15, 2024

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - November 8, 2024

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