by | Jul 12, 2024 | News
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.
Shared drives can now have up to 100 levels of nested folders and 500,000 items
Prior to this month, a folder in a shared drive could have up to 20 levels of nested folders and could contain a maximum of 400,000 items. Today, we're excited to announce that we've increased the nested folder limit to 100 levels and the maximum number of items to 500,000. | Rollout to
Rapid and Scheduled Release domains is complete. | Available to Google Workspace customers, Google Workspace Individual subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. | Learn more about
shared drive limits in Google Drive. eSignature is now available for select Google Workspace customers
The
previously announcedStarting July 15, 2024, we will begin rolling out eSignature for Google Docs to end users on select Google Workspace editions. eSignature offers a variety of features to help you streamline requesting and capturing signatures, helping you stay organised and keep your work moving along. Specifically, you can:
Request eSignatures, including signatures from more than one user and from non-Gmail users. View the status of pending signatures and find completed contracts. Keep contract templates to initiate multiple eSignature requests. View an audit trail of completed contracts.Use custom text fields to request additional information from signers, such as job titles, email addresses and more. Sign contracts from both mobile devices and PCs. Rollout to
Rapid and Scheduled Release domains starts July 15, 2024 at a gradual pace (up to 15 days for feature visibility). | Available to Google Workspace Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Starter, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Essentials Plus, and Education Plus customers. | Learn more about
sending signature requests & sign documents with eSignature.
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.
Introducing a new experience for data regions reporting
We've introduced several new enhancements to Google Workspace data regions. | Learn more about
data regions reporting. Access Management is now generally available in the European Union
Access Management is now also generally available in the European Union - these controls allow customers to select the physical location from which Google support teams can access organisational data during support activities. | Learn more about
Access Management. Manage your compliance and data controls from a single source in the Admin console
We've centralised relevant features and information into a single location in the admin console: Data. | Learn more about
compliance and data controls. Enhancing the Google Calendar appointment scheduling experience with additional features
Pre-configure meeting notes, recordings, and transcripts from the Calendar invite
Meeting hosts can now pre-configure meeting notes, meeting recordings, and meeting transcripts from the Calendar invite. | Learn more about
meeting host capabilities. Use the Apple Volume Purchasing Programme (VPP) to distribute apps for device enrollment and company owned devices
Google Meet and Zoom interoperability now includes presented content via a wired HDMI connection
We're expanding the interoperability between Google Meet and Zoom to include the ability to present content via a wired HDMI connection. | Learn more about
Google Meet and Zoom interoperability.
Rollout Update: setting the default camera framing option for Google Meet hardware devices
We
recently announced several updates related to framing options on Google Hardware devices. This included the ability for admins to configure the default camera framing option for their hardware devices. After pausing rollout to optimise performance, we are pleased to announce that this feature is now fully available. | Learn more about
default camera framing options for Meet hardware devices.
Access Google Meet artifacts with a new Google Drive API scope
We're introducing a new OAuth scope for the Drive API: drive.meet.readonly. The new scope grants app access to read and download files from a user's drive that were created or edited by Google Meet - this includes meeting transcripts, notes, recordings, and more. | Learn more about
accessing Meet artifacts.Completed rollouts
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).
by | Jul 9, 2024 | News
What's changing
Following our
recent announcement of the appointment slots feature in Google Calendar being replaced by appointment schedules in July 2024, we're updating appointment schedules by adding new features to enhance the overall experience.
First, we're adding the option to designate a custom weekly recurrence when creating an appointment schedule in Calendar. This will allow users to make the schedule repeat on more flexible recurrences, such as bi-weekly.
Second, bookers (and co-hosts) can now add other guests or rooms to booked events. This feature is only available if the user creating the appointment schedule selects the "Guests can invite others" option during setup or edit of the schedule.
Lastly, the appointment schedule creator can now add Google Groups as co-hosts during the setup process so users can more easily host appointments with others.
Getting started
Rollout pace
Availability
The custom recurrence option & allowing guests to invite others on Appointment Schedules are available for Google Workspace:
Business Starter, Standard, Plus Enterprise Standard, Plus Education Fundamentals, Standard, Plus, the Teaching & Learning Upgrade Nonprofits Workspace Individual Subscribers Google One Premium users Users with personal Google accounts
Adding groups as co-hosts on Appointment Schedules is available for Google Workspace:
Business Standard, Plus Enterprise Standard, Plus Education Fundamentals, Standard, Plus, the Teaching & Learning Upgrade Nonprofits
Resources
by | Jul 8, 2024 | News
What's changing
Access Management is now also generally available in the European Union - these controls allow customers to select the physical location from which Google support teams can access organisational data during support activities. Customers can now restrict support personnel to EU Google staff in EU locations. If necessary, non-EU Google staff may access data through virtual desktops that are located in EU locations.
Who's impacted
Admins
Why it's important
Google Workspace Assured Controls enables customers to meet strict regulatory information governance requirements. With
Access ManagementIn addition, customers can limit the Google staff who can take support actions related to their data. Additionally, since Assured Controls is available on Google Workspace's native platform, you don't need to move to a separate GovCloud environment for access to these capabilities. This update gives our customers another way to configure how and where their data is accessed by Google staff.
Availability
Assured controls are available as a paid-add on for Google Workspace Enterprise Plus. For more information, contact your Google account representative.
by | Jul 8, 2024 | News
What's changing
We know that compliance and data controls are paramount for our customers, both in understanding Google Workspace's policies and configuring compliance-relevant features according to the needs of their business sector and geographical region. To help our customers navigate these complexities, we've centralised some of these relevant features and information into a single location in the admin console: Data.
Within this section, admins can:
Find a centralised hub containing all data and compliance-related features such as data regions, access transparency, and more.Access Approvals, Access Management, Access Transparency, Client Side Encryption, Data Regions can now be found under Data > Compliance. Please note that Access Transparency can still be found under Menu > Reporting.
Data Export, Data migration, and Google Takeout can now be found under Data > Data import & export.
Find a dedicated compliance node containing guides and resources to help them configure their settings within various regulations and standards such as IL4, CJIS, and FedRAMP High.
Data > Overview
Data > Compliance > Guides and Resources
Getting started
Admins: You can access the new Data node compliance centre in the Admin console by navigating to Menu > Data. From here, you will find the Overview page, as well as the Compliance and Data Import & Export categories. End users: There is no end user impact or action required.
Rollout pace
Availability
Available to all Google Workspace customers
by | Jul 8, 2024 | News
What's changing
We're pleased to announce several new enhancements to Google Workspace data regions:
For the first time, admins will be able to specify not only the region (EU or US) where their data is stored, but also the region in which it is processed, with granular controls to allow administrators to easily refine the region and level of compliance needed as appropriate for their organisational groups. Workspace customers have the flexibility to select multiple geographies to suit their needs, versus being restricted to one region mandated by billing address.
Also, based on customer feedback, we have re-architected our reporting dashboard to both deliver new functionality and simplify the experience for administrators. These include:
A simplified experience that focuses on the status of your data region's posture. Streamlined reporting for Google Workspace Enterprise Plus customers.Advanced reporting for
Assured Controls customers.
Who's impacted
Admins
Why it's important
Assign data processing to the United States or Europe
Although customers are not required to use the sovereignty offerings within Workspace in order to comply with the GDPR, we make advanced data residency controls available so that customers can proactively leverage digital sovereignty best practices and keep pace with regulatory legislation.
Putting the emphasis on status
We've heard from our customers that it's critical to quickly determine whether their data is being stored in the proper location. Based on this feedback, we've simplified the dashboard to consolidate parameters like "application" and "data type", which were not useful to customers into a single status indicator.
Also, admins can now access two new reporting cards: Versions and Policies. The Versions card will tell admins how many users have each edition of data regions, while the Policies card will tell you how many users have their storage and processing settings assigned to the US or Europe.
It's important to note that if you're subject to partial domain licensing, you may see a mix of users spread across different editions. A user's feature set may vary based on their assigned Workspace editions - we recommend using our Help Centre to
learn more about the difference between editions.
Advanced reporting for Assured Controls customers
For those Google Workspace customers using Assured Controls, you can leverage more advanced reporting which will help you determine that data is being both stored and processed properly. You can also drill down into this information on an app-by-app basis.
Getting started
Rollout pace
Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on July 8, 2024 with anticipated completion by the end of July 2024.
Availability
Enterprise Data Regions are included with Enterprise Plus, Education Standard, Education Plus, and Enterprise Essentials Plus.Fundamental Data Regions are included with Frontline Starter, Frontline Standard, Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Standard, and Enterprise Essentials. Reporting is not included with fundamental data regions - you can purchase Enterprise data regions as a paid add-on with any of these editions. Assured Controls are available as a paid-add on for Google Workspace Enterprise Plus.
by | Jul 2, 2024 | News
What's changing
To ensure organisations' continued access to services, we're changing the way Early Access apps transition to Additional Google Services:
Starting July 30, 2024, if you have an Early Access app service set to On, you won't lose access to the app when it transitions to an additional service, regardless of your new service preferences. These apps will only be turned off if both settings are set to Off.
Additional details
Google AI Studio will transition from an Early Access app to an Additional Google Service on July 30, 2024. Access to AI Studio will be based on the information outlined above. We recommend that you double-check your settings ahead of time to ensure access to AI Studio is configured as you see fit.
Rollout pace
The updated policy will take effect for all Google Workspace customers on July 30, 2024.
Availability
This update impacts all Google Workspace customers.
Resources
by | Jul 2, 2024 | News
What's changing
Today, we're improving support for missing assignments in gradebook by giving teachers the ability to manually mark an assignment as 'missing' or 'complete' and automatically add a default draft score.
Getting started
Admins: There is no admin control for this feature. End users: By default, all missing assignments will automatically receive a draft score of '0'. However, teachers can adjust the default draft score or turn OFF the automated scoring feature. Assignments that displayed the 'missing' labels prior to this update will be automatically updated and receive the draft score. Visit the Help Centre to learn more about
grading & returning an assignment.
Rollout pace
Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on July 2, 2024
Availability
Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts
Resources
by | Jun 21, 2024 | News
What's changing
We're pleased to introduce an improved email notification experience for those who are using third-party calendar services-like Outlook-to collaborate with Google Calendar users. Specifically, this update improves the accuracy of Google Calendar event syncing across calendar services, while helping cut down on the amount of email noise caused by calendar sync notifications.
Email notifications that are purely intended to sync information will now be marked as such in the body of the email and sent from a distinct, identifiable email address. The body of the email includes instructions for end users on how to implement inbox filters to avoid this type of email cluttering their inbox. At scale, Outlook system administrators can use Microsoft's Powershell to implement an email filter rule for these messages for all users. Google Workspace customers can
use this form to sign-up for the beta.
Who's impacted
Admins and end users
Why it matters
We've heard from our customers that the syncing experience from Google Calendar to third-party calendars was not consistently reliable. Additionally, users lacked an effective way to filter out Calendar emails which cluttered their inbox. This update will help improve the overall experience for users collaborating with Google Calendar users.
Getting started
Rollout pace
Beta sign-ups are available now using this
form until July 10, 2024. We will be accepting beta applications and allowlisting customers over the next several weeks.
Availability
Sign-up for this beta is available for all Google Workspace customers
Resources
by | Jun 28, 2024 | News
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.
Your users can now express interest in Gemini for Google Workspace
We're introducing a simple way for Workspace end users to request a Gemini licence from their admins on the
Gemini for Google Workspace homepage. To send this request, Workspace end users simply select 'Get Started' from the Gemini for Google Workspace marketing page, then click on 'Ask my admin' and complete the request form. Super admins will receive this request by email, and from there they can choose to purchase a Gemini licence in the Admin console.
Multi-account support now available for Google Keep on large screen Android devices
Last yearNow that we've introduced multi-instance support for Google Keep on large screen Android devices, we're now allowing multiple accounts to be used at the same time on the same device in Keep. To take this a step further, we're now allowing multiple accounts to be used at the same time on the same device in Keep. Having two windows open side-by-side enables better insight into your notes and gives you more ways to work with, display, and organise your content across multiple accounts. | Rolling out now to
Rapid Release domains and Scheduled Release domainsAvailable to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts.
Updates for Gemini for Workspace usage reports in the Admin console
Recently, we
introduced Gemini for Workspace usage reports in the Admin console. Beginning today, we're introducing additional updates for these reports:
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 add-ons now generally available to Google Workspace developers
Classroom add-ons generally available to all developers. These complement other Classroom API features and let educators and students experience content without having to leave Google Classroom. | Learn more about
Classroom add-ons. Manage access to eSignature in Google Workspace
The admin control for Google Workspace's eSignature feature is live for select Google Workspace editions. Admins can control users' ability to request signatures before eSignature rolls out to end users in the coming weeks. | Learn more about
eSignature in Google Workspace. Gemini in the side panel of Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, and Google Drive is rolling out now
We're pleased to announce the general availability of Gemini in the side panel of Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive. Learn more about the side panel in
Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive and
Gmail.
Bringing our Learning Interoperability Tools under one umbrella: Google Workspace LTI™
Going forward, all Learning Interoperability Tools, including Assignments LTI™, and Google Drive LTI™, will be consolidated into a single category: Google Workspace LTI™. | Learn more about
Google Workspace LTI™. Introducing Colab Pro and Colab Pro+ for Google Workspace
Currently, Google Workspace admins can turn Colab on for their users, allowing them to access the free version of Colab. This week, we announced the Colab Pro and Colab Pro+ standalone subscriptions for Google Workspace customers. | Learn more about
Colab for Google Workspace. Grading periods API for Google Classroom is now available in Developer Preview
Grading period endpoints and capabilities in the Classroom API are now available through the Google Workspace Developer Preview Programme. | Learn more about the
Grading periods API. Additional admin space management capabilities in Google Chat API are now available in Developer Preview Program
Improving calculation speed in Google Sheets
We recently announced the latest advancements in Sheets, including that we've doubled the speed of calculation in Google Sheets on Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge browsers. This update can improve the speed of actions like formulas, pivot tables, conditional formatting, and more, regardless of your file size. | Learn more about
Sheets calculations. Add up to 500,000 members to spaces in Google Chat
To provide greater flexibility and inclusiveness for larger organisations, we're excited to announce that starting today, spaces can now have up to 500,000 members. | Learn more about
large spaces in Chat.
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).
by | Jun 21, 2024 | News
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.
Now generally available: Build AppSheet automations using Google Forms
AppSheet helps users automate manual workflows by integrating with data sources like Google Drive, Chat and Sheets, and earlier this year we announced its integration with Google Forms in beta. This week, we're excited to announce this is now generally available. | Roll out to
Rapid Release domains and Scheduled Release domains is complete. | Available to Business Starter, Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Enterprise Essentials Plus, Education Standard, Education Plus and the Teaching & Learning Upgrade, Frontline Starter, Frontline Standard, AppSheet Starter, AppSheet Core, AppSheet Enterprise Standard, and AppSheet Enterprise Plus customers only. | Learn more about
AppSheet's integration with Google Forms and
building your first app and automation using Google Forms. The ability to add and remove Google Groups as space members using the Google Chat API is now generally available
Last yearThis week, we announced the ability to create spaces, memberships, group chats, and more using the Google Chat API. This week, we're excited to introduce the option for developers to add and remove Google Groups as space members using the Google Chat API. | Rolling out now to
Rapid Release domains and Scheduled Release domains| Available to all Google Workspace customers. | Learn more about accessing Chat APIs through the
Google Chat API.
Comments and action items in client-side encrypted Google Docs is now generally available
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.
Insert images into practice sets in Google Classroom
Teachers can now import images, like graphs, charts or photos, into practice sets using files from Google Drive or directly from their computer. | Learn more about
inserting images into practice sets. Help your students learn to read with Read Along in Classroom
We're introducing Read Along in Google Classroom, a new feature that helps students build their independent reading skills by enabling teachers to assign differentiated reading activities, based on Lexile® measure, grade level, or phonics skills. | Learn more about
Read Along in Google Classroom. External users can now securely collaborate on client-side encrypted files
We're expanding visitor sharing, a feature that provides secure, pincode-based collaboration over sensitive data with people, to include client-side encrypted files. This allows users to securely collaborate with external partners on sensitive Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides files, while maintaining the confidentiality of the information with the granular control of encryption keys, identity verification and user permissions. | Learn more about
visitor sharing. Create interactive YouTube assignments in Google Classroom more quickly and efficiently, with the help of AI
We're introducing AI-suggested questions that educators can easily attach to a video based on its content when creating interactive YouTube assignments in Google Classroom. | Learn more about
YouTube assignments in Classroom.Google Meet adds 52 new languages to translated captions and 11 more languages for closed captions
For all Google Workspace customers and users with personal accounts, we've expanded support for closed captioning. In addition, for Gemini for Google Workspace customers, we are adding 52 languages to translated captions with full language support. | Learn more about
translated captions and closed captions. Improved syncing experience between Google Calendar and third-party calendars
We're pleased to introduce an improved email notification experience for those who are using third-party calendar services-like Outlook-to collaborate with Google Calendar users. | Learn more about the
improved syncing experience on Calendar.
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).
