Google Workspace Changes

Clean up of ‘Additional Google services’ section in Google Apps Admin console

Google is cleaning up the 'Additional Google services' section in the Admin console by removing services that have been shut down over the last few years. This change will not affect current On/Off service settings for users.

Introduction of the new Calendar Resource API for managing physical resources.

Google has introduced the new Calendar Resource API as part of the Admin SDK's Directory API, enabling Google for Work customers to manage physical resources such as conference rooms, printers, and nap pods. These resources can be added to meetings by end users. This new API replaces the GDATA Calendar Resource API, which is scheduled for deprecation starting in January 2016 and will be sunset in January 2017.

Simplified email routing settings in the Google Apps Admin console.

Google has introduced a new 'Routing' section under Gmail > Advanced settings > General settings in the Admin console to simplify the email routing experience. This new section consolidates Sending routing, Receiving routing, Outbound gateway, Default routing, and Email routing into a single location. These updated settings also provide enhanced functionality by applying to SMTP-relayed messages and messages sent to email groups, features that were unavailable in the previous settings.

Templates are now available in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides mobile apps for Android and iOS.

Google is rolling out template functionality to the Android and iOS apps for Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Users can now create new documents, spreadsheets, or presentations using pre-defined templates—such as meeting agendas, pitch decks, and expense reports—by clicking the red “+” button, bringing the same functionality available on the web to mobile devices.

Google Sheets functions are now available in users' preferred languages.

Google Sheets now supports displaying functions in the user's preferred language for English and 21 other supported languages across both web and mobile platforms. New users will see functions in their preferred language automatically, while existing users can choose whether to keep functions in English or switch to their preferred language via the Spreadsheet settings in the File menu.

Announcing the Certificate Enrollment for Chrome OS extension, providing an out-of-the-box certificate enrollment experience for Chromebooks in enterprises.

This new extension allows users to easily request a certificate for their managed Chromebooks to access enterprise-protected networks and resources.

Easier account syncing in the Google Calendar app for Android.

The latest version of the Google Calendar app for Android makes it easier for users to monitor and manage account syncing. If sync is disabled for an account, an 'Enable sync' message will appear in the left side Menu, allowing users to quickly re-enable syncing by clicking on their email address.

Data Loss Prevention (DLP) for Gmail is now available for Google Apps Unlimited customers.

Google has introduced Data Loss Prevention (DLP) for Gmail for Google Apps Unlimited customers to prevent sensitive information from being leaked. Admins can set up DLP policies using a library of predefined content detectors (such as credit card numbers) or create custom rules using keywords and regular expressions. The system scans both email text and common attachment types, allowing admins to quarantine emails for review, prompt users to modify content, or block the email entirely.

Google Drive introduces an enhanced search experience with improved filters and platform-specific integrations.

Google Drive is rolling out a new search experience to help users find files more efficiently across Android, iOS, and the web. Key improvements include the ability to narrow searches by file type, instant access to advanced search options, and iOS-specific features like 3D Touch and search bar integration. Additionally, users can now search for shared files by the owner's name or email and utilize advanced filters such as modification date and specific keywords.

OAuth2 tokens will be revoked when a user's password is changed.

Google is implementing a security policy change where OAuth2 tokens issued for access to certain products will be revoked automatically when a user changes their password. Due to customer inquiries, the full rollout of this policy has been delayed until early 2016.

Google Calendar Android and iOS apps now support Reminders for tracking to-dos.

Users of the Google Calendar Android and iOS apps can now create Reminders to track to-dos alongside their events. Reminders are created via the '+' icon and can automatically incorporate phone numbers and addresses from contacts and Google's knowledge graph. Unlike standard events, Reminders persist and appear at the top of the calendar each day until they are marked as completed. Additionally, Reminders are integrated across other Google services, including Inbox by Gmail, Google Keep, and Google Now.

On-screen volume controls added.

In addition to physical buttons on the speaker/mic, users can now adjust the volume using on-screen controls added to the Chromebox for meetings user interface.

Admin notifications for offline devices.

Domain administrators can now be notified via email or SMS when a Chromebox for meetings device goes offline.

Performance optimizations for audio, video, and screensharing.

Various performance improvements have been implemented, including WebRTC updates to reduce audio echoing, faster HD resolution, smoother video rendering, the OPUS codec for improved audio quality, and faster updates for complex on-screen changes during screensharing. These require an upgrade to Chrome OS 47.

Guest access support for Google Hangouts meetings.

Google Hangouts now supports meeting participants who do not have Google accounts, allowing for broader access to video conferencing on Chromebox for meetings devices.