Google Workspace Changes

Default Google account avatars are being replaced with custom avatars showing the user's initials.

Google is replacing the default account avatar for users with Google+ enabled who have not added a profile photo. The new default avatar will display the account owner's given-name initial, or a plain colored avatar/family name initial if a monogram cannot be generated. This change will first appear in the Google Bar and gradually roll out across all Google products.

Google launches the Apps Script Execution API

Google has launched the Apps Script Execution API, which enables developers and Apps admins to expose the full utility of Apps Script to any application, including mobile apps for Android and iOS.

Google Calendar Chrome Web Store app URL update

Starting October 1, 2015, the Google Calendar Chrome Web Store app will be automatically updated to use the new calendar.google.com URL. Users with offline sync enabled are advised to confirm their offline settings once the update is active.

Main Google Calendar URL changing to calendar.google.com

The main Google Calendar URL is changing from www.google.com/calendar to calendar.google.com to increase security. The rollout is scheduled for Rapid release domains in mid-October, with Scheduled release domains following two weeks later.

New formatting options for pasting content in Google Sheets.

Google Sheets now offers alternative formatting options after pasting content via a small widget that appears in the bottom corner of the pasted cells. Users can select 'Paste values only' to remove formatting or 'Paste format only' to apply only the cell's style. Additionally, Chrome users can use the shortcut Ctrl + Shift + V to automatically paste values without formatting.

Unsubscribe option now available in Gmail for Android

The Unsubscribe option is being introduced to the Gmail app on Android, allowing users to more easily opt out of eligible mailing lists and newsletters directly from the application.

New Block feature for Gmail on Android and web

Gmail is launching a new Block feature for the Android app and the web. Future emails from blocked addresses will be automatically sent to the Spam folder, and users can manage these blocked addresses within their Settings.

Google releases version 5.0 of the Google Apps Migration for IBM Notes (GAMIN) tool.

Version 5.0 of the Google Apps Migration for IBM Notes (GAMIN) tool is now available. This update introduces Service Accounts and OAuth 2.0 tokens for data migration, utilizes the Gmail API for mail migration and label creation, and features a simplified architecture including a new 5-step Quick Setup wizard and the ability to auto-update Domino directory Server and Configuration document settings.

Launch of the Data Transfer API for bulk ownership transfer of Drive content and Google+ pages.

Google has released the Data Transfer API, which allows administrators to programmatically transfer ownership of Google Drive content and Google+ pages in bulk from one employee to another. To use this API, administrators must have the Data Transfer privilege enabled in the Admin console.

Enhanced presentation controls and video toggling in the Google Slides Android app.

The Google Slides Android app now allows presenters to change and preview slides directly from their phone's lock screen via a notification, eliminating the need to unlock the device to advance slides. Additionally, users can now toggle between their presentation and video when presenting to Google Hangouts by tapping the video camera icon.

Ability to insert and modify chart types in the Google Sheets Android app.

The Google Sheets Android app has been updated to allow users to insert charts and change their types directly within the mobile application. For example, users can now quickly change a bar chart inserted from Explore into a column chart without needing to use the web version of Sheets.

Google Apps data migration service now supports calendar migration from Microsoft accounts.

Google has expanded its data migration service within the Admin console to include support for calendar data. Admins can now easily migrate calendar events from one or multiple Microsoft accounts, including Office 365 and Exchange versions 2007 and above, to Google Apps accounts without requiring additional software or hardware installations.

Admins can now block access to less secure applications in the Admin console.

Google Apps admins now have increased control over user security with the ability to block access to less secure applications via the Admin console (Security > Basic Settings > Less Secure Apps Access). This setting can be applied to entire domains or specific organizational units. If an admin blocks access, end users will no longer see the option to enable less secure apps on their My Account pages and will receive an error message when attempting access. Additionally, blocking this access will disable Google Sync/ActiveSync and Application-Specific Passwords (ASPs) for 2SV users.

Google launches Mobile Application Management (MAM) for iOS devices.

Google has introduced Mobile Application Management (MAM) for iOS devices, enabling administrators to recommend and whitelist specific mobile apps for employees to use on managed iOS devices directly from the Admin console. Employees can discover and download these whitelisted apps via the Device Policy app, and all managed work apps are automatically uninstalled when an administrator wipes the employee's account.

Google launches a brand new site for the Google Apps Marketplace.

Google has introduced a new site for the Google Apps Marketplace to make it easier for admins and employees to find third-party applications that integrate with Google Apps for Work. The new site features a home page highlighting popular apps and new arrivals, improved search functionality, and a navigation bar for better discoverability.