Add multiple multimedia files to a single message in Google Chat

What’s changing

Users can currently send & share files such as images, PDFs and videos in Google Chat messages and use the Shared tab to access all conversation-related artifacts including files, links and media. However, only one image can be uploaded in a single Chat message on web at a time. 
To improve upon this functionality, provide a highly-requested feature, and match the mobile experience, we’re excited to announce that users can now upload and send up to 20 multimedia files (photos and videos) in one Chat message. Dragging and dropping multimedia files into the compose bar from your desktop is also supported. 
Adding multiple multimedia files to a single message

Getting started 

  • Admins: There is no admin control for this feature. 
  • End users:
    An error message will show if a user exceeds size limits or uploads unsupported file combinations. Visit the Help Center to learn more about sending & sharing files in Google Chat messages. 

Rollout pace

  • Rapid Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on November 19, 2024, with expected completion by December 3, 2024
  • Scheduled Release domains: Full rollout (1–3 days for feature visibility) starting on December 12, 2024 

Availability 

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

Resources 

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

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

Availability 

  • Available to all Google Workspace customers and Workspace Individual Subscribers 

Resources 

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

What’s changing

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. A highly requested feature, custom sections are useful for scenarios in which users want similar conversations about a topic or project to be in the same location in the left-hand menu of Chat. 
To make a custom section, go to the direct messages or spaces section in Chat > hover over the three dot menu > select Create new section > name the custom section > hit enter. You can add conversations from a direct message or space to a custom section by: 
  • Dragging and dropping it in from another section 
  • Hovering over a conversation > clicking the three dot menu > selecting Move conversation > Move to [Name of the custom section] 
making a custom section in google chat
Previously the direct messages and spaces sections in the left-hand menu were independent, individually-scrollable lists. With this update, users can navigate specific sections of their conversations by scrolling across all of their sections as one unified conversation list, view top conversations across each section, and find older conversations within each section by expanding via “Show all.” 
find older conversations within each section by expanding via “Show all.”
For each section, users can also: 
  • Modify the size (height) of each section 
  • Reorder a section in the left-hand menu based on preference by moving it up or down 
  • Toggle an unread button ON (or OFF) to instantly find new messages within each section that need their attention 
  • Start a new direct message or space message from the three dot menu next to the unread toggle 
Toggling to show unreads on web

In addition, users will now be able to find their Chat apps more quickly with a new dedicated Apps section. 

dedicated Apps section

Who’s impacted 

End users 

Why you’d use it 

This complete revamp of the left navigation experience on Chat will help users find messages more easily based on their own organizational preferences. 

Getting started 

  • Admins: There is no admin control for this feature. 
  • End users
    • By default, the conversation list is organized by direct messages, spaces, and apps, with each section set to show active conversations only. 
    • While the new Chat experience is visible on mobile, users can only create and manage sections on the desktop version of chat.google.com or Chat in Gmail. 
    • Visit the Help Center to learn how to use Google Chat. 

Rollout pace 

  • Rapid Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on November 21, 2024, with expected completion in early January 2025 
  • Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on January 6, 2025 

Availability 

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

Resources 

New Asus hardware kits for Google Meet

What’s changing

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. 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 framed. You can turn on this framing from the device by selecting Control camera > Framing by Aver.

Getting started

  • Admins: Asus room kits for Google Meet require Google Meet hardware licenses. The updated Asus Google Meet hardware kits for Google Meet are available today – contact your reseller to learn more. This device should be rebooted after installation and runs on M126 – visit the Help Center to check the latest status on M126.
  • End users: Once an Asus room kit has been successfully enrolled, you can join Google Meet meetings normally and take advantage of our embedded interoperability to join Zoom and Webex calls.

Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap – November 22, 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.


Find files more easily with the Drive Android file picker

In 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. 
Drive files on Android
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.

tasks lists on the Google Calendar Android app

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.

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 original blog posts for additional details.

Rapid Release Domains: 
Scheduled Release Domains: 
Rapid and Scheduled Release Domains: 

    The Gemini mobile app is now available for Google Workspace users

    What’s changing

    Beginning today, the Gemini mobile app for Android and iOS devices is now available for Google Workspace users accessing Gemini as a core service. With the Gemini mobile app, users will be able to do research or find quick answers while on the go. They can also leverage the camera of the phone to take pictures of handwritten notes and export them into Google Docs or Gmail, or create presentation-ready visualizations of a chart that was drawn on a whiteboard; All of this comes with the enterprise data protections Google Workspace customers are accustomed to. 

    As part of this roll out, we’re also extending access to the Gemini mobile app for all Education users, both as a core service with a qualifying edition and as an additional service.

    Access the Gemini mobile app on Android and iOS

    Additional details

    • Refer to this article in our Help Center, Gemini mobile app availability, for a list of supported languages, countries, and age requirements for the Gemini mobile app.
    • Currently, some Gemini app features available on the web aren’t available to Google Workspace users in the mobile app. This includes Workspace extensions, file upload, and Gems. Refer to this article in our Help Center for more details: Use Gemini Apps with a work or school Google Account.
    • Currently, the Gemini app on Android does not support Work Profile.
    • The Google mobile app on iOS, which includes Gemini, will not support authenticating with your Google Workspace account. iOS users hoping to authenticate with their Google Workspace account must install the Gemini mobile app.
    • There is no impact to Google Workspace users accessing the Gemini app as an additional service. These users will continue to be able to access the Gemini mobile app.

    Getting started

    Rollout pace

    Availability

    Available for Google Workspace:
    • 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 edition
    • Education Fundamentals, Education Standard, Education Plus 
    Also available for Google Workspace customers with these add-ons:
    • Gemini Business
    • Gemini Enterprise
    • Gemini Education
    • Gemini Education Premium

    Resources

    Create fully stylized documents using Gemini in Google Docs

    What’s changing 

    Building upon AI-powered features such as help me write, image generation, and more using Gemini in Google Docs, we’re excited to introduce a new way for users to create highly structured, styled, and visually-appealing documents with Gemini. 
    Today, we’re introducing help me create, a new feature that lets you build a full document using content in Drive from a single, custom prompt. Simply click to create at the top of a new document or go to File > New > Help me create to get started. After describing the document you want to create, which includes the option to pull in content from your files using “@ filename”, Gemini will transform your blank page into a long-form document with cover images, in-line images, stylized text, tables, content from your Drive files, and more. 
    help me create in Google Docs

    Who’s impacted 

    End users 

    Why you’d use it 

    Help me create is designed to help you get started with a first draft of your document. For example: 
    • A marketing manager at a CPG company can create a launch plan for a new product using the following prompt: Create a marketing plan to support the launch of a new line of coffee flavors. Include timing, owners, deliverables, and create a cover image that shows different types of coffee. 
    • A manager can create a vision document to keep their team on track by telling Gemini: Create an overview document of our team charter and goals based on [Team charter brainstorm notes], and include a cover image that shows team bonding in an office setting. 
    • A small business owner specializing in eco-friendly products can create a proposal for a new client by typing: Create a proposal for my new client using the deliverables listed in [Customer meeting notes – November 30, 2024]. Outline the scope of work, pricing, and timing, and create a cover image that shows eco-friendly cleaning products and inline images. 

    You can also choose from a variety of starter prompts to expedite the creation process for common document use cases. For example, you can select: 

    • A roadmap for a product launch that includes strategy breakdowns and outlines key milestones, timelines, and initiatives (with the option to include images for each feature). 
    • A party planning checklist with a timeline of tasks, milestones, deadlines, and dependencies. 
    • A template for a 15-minute daily standup meeting with teammates that includes a table for each individual to leave their updates. 

    Getting started 

    Rollout pace

    • Rapid Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on December 10, 2024 
    • Scheduled Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on December 16, 2024, with expected completion by January 9, 2025 

    Availability 

    Available for Google Workspace customers with these add-ons: 
    • Gemini Business, Enterprise, Education, Education Premium 
    • Google One AI Premium 
    Resources 

    Build high-quality, modern documents faster in Google Docs with 40 new templates

    What’s changing

    We recently released our refreshed library of templates in Google Slides, and today we’re introducing 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. Document tabs keep your documents organized, placeholder chips make it easy for you and your collaborators to add data, and building blocks, pre-set layouts and styles give your document a premium look and feel. Accessible via the “Templates” button at the top of a newly created document or by going to File > New > From template gallery in an open document, users can find customizable templates that cater to a wide range of use cases. For example, there are templates for blog posts, press releases, business proposals, and journals, in addition to: 
    • A project roadmap, marketing plan, and sales emails for business users. 
    • An interview guide, onboarding guide, and training manual for human resource teams. 
    • A reading list and class notes templates for education users. 
    new templates in Docs

    Who’s impacted 

    End users

    Why you’d use it 

    Docs templates help users save time since they don’t have to build documents from scratch, create more uniform, high-quality, visually-appealing documents, and enable them to be more productive with the latest Docs features in their daily processes. 

    Additional details

    You can expect even more high-quality Docs template options in the coming months. 

    Getting started 

    Rollout pace 

    Availability

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

    Resources 

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

    What’s changing

    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. 

    By default, the ability to add a recovery email or phone number is ON for most Workspace users and K-12 super admins, but it should be noted that:

    • Adding email and phone recovery information is OFF by default for K-12 users. 
    • Phone number recovery collection is always enabled for super admins regardless of whether it’s disabled in the admin console.

    Any changes admins make to these settings will overrule the existing organizational unit (OU) settings, except for super admins as stated above.

    Security > Account Recovery > Recovery information

    Who’s impacted

    Admins and end users

    Why it’s important

    Adding recovery information to your account is helpful for keeping users’ accounts more secure, recovering users’ accounts as well as evaluating security related events, such as risky logins or re-authentication attempts. However, we know that there are a variety of reasons that customers would want to prevent their users from doing so. For example, turning recovery information off can help customers stay compliant with local privacy regulations, such as GDPR. Or admins can opt to add recovery information themselves. This update gives admins the control to decide which configuration makes the most sense for their users.

    Getting started

    Rollout pace

    Availability

    • Available to all Google Workspace customers.

    Resources

    Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap – December 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.


    Introducing instant video playback after uploads in Google Drive 
    Following up on the recent announcement of a smoother, more modern video player in Google Drive, we’re excited to share that you can now watch videos the moment you upload them to Drive on web. This highly-requested feature eliminates wait times between upload and playback, while ensuring your videos still get fully processed. | Rollout to Rapid Release domains is complete; launch to Scheduled Release domains planned for January 2, 2025. | Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about storing & playing video in Google Drive.
    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 original 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 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).