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.
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. | 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.
Easily discover Google Workspace Marketplace apps in Google Docs
We’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 original 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 policy visualization across Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive. This is now generally available, and as a result, users who are interacting with policy-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 policy 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 original blog posts for additional details.
Rapid Release Domains:
Scheduled Release Domains:
Rapid and Scheduled Release Domains:
- Improved syncing experience between Google Calendar and third-party calendars (beta sign-up is now closed)
- Google Workspace for Education users can now set and share personal pronouns and name pronunciation (Name pronunciation)
- Beta update: Data Loss Prevention enforcement in Gmail is now instantaneous
- Improved comments experience in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides on Android tablets (Sheets and Slides only)
- Announcing general availability of Google Vids: Our new AI-powered video creation app for work to help tell stories across your organization
- Google Vids is now available for Google Workspace for Education, providing easy video creation for teaching and learning
- Reference your Google Calendar using Gemini in the side panel of Gmail
- Expanding row limits in Connected Sheets for Looker
- Drag and drop contacts in the addressee fields when composing an email on your Android device
- New beta that supports running Google Drive on Arm-compatible Windows PCs now available
- Tackle repetitive tasks, extract deeper insights, and more with the latest premade Gems in the Gemini app
- HIPAA and additional ISO certifications for the Gemini app on web and mobile
For a recap of announcements in the past six months, check out What’s new in Google Workspace (recent releases).
