Google Workspace Changes

Comment swiping in the Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides apps

Users can now swipe to move from one comment to the next in the iOS apps for Docs, Sheets, and Slides, as well as the Android app for Slides.

Instant mentions in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides on the web, Android, and iOS

When typing a name or email address in a comment, a list of suggested contacts will appear. Selecting a contact triggers an email notification without the need to type '+' or '@' before the name.

Comments in the Google Sheets and Slides apps for Android and iOS

Users can now add new comments and reply to existing comments within the Google Sheets and Slides mobile apps for Android and iOS, bringing parity with the Google Docs mobile apps.

Instant comments in Google Docs on the web

Users can now highlight text or hover over the edge of a page to surface a small commenting icon, allowing them to quickly add a comment to that specific area of the document.

Increased admin control over Google Drive file sharing options.

Google has introduced new Access Checker settings in the Admin console, allowing administrators to define the sharing options users see when sharing Drive files via Gmail, comments in Docs, Sheets, or Slides, protected ranges in Sheets, or Calendar invites. Depending on whether external public sharing is permitted, admins can now restrict these options to 'Recipients only', 'Recipients only or their domain', or 'Recipients only, their domain, or public'.

New admin control to suppress prompts when inviting external guests in Google Calendar.

Domain administrators can now enable or disable the confirmation prompts that appear when users invite guests from outside their domain to Google Calendar events. This setting can be managed globally or on a per-organizational unit (OU) basis via the Admin console under Apps > Google Apps > Calendar > Sharing Settings > External invitations. The setting is enabled by default.

Improved file and folder organization in Google Drive via new toolbar options and drag-and-drop functionality.

Google Drive is making it easier to organize files and folders. Users will now see 'Add to My Drive' or 'Move to' options in the toolbar when viewing search results, Shared with me, Recent, or Starred views. Additionally, users can now drag and drop items from search results into folders and organize files directly from the preview screen.

New Admin console setting allows users to book resources shared as 'See only free/busy'.

Google has introduced a new setting in the Admin console that enables users to book calendar resources even when they are shared with the domain as 'See only free/busy'. Previously, admins had to share resources as 'See all event details' to allow booking, which exposed sensitive event information. This update allows admins to maintain privacy while still permitting resource booking across the domain.

Search results on Docs, Sheets, and Slides home screens now include files from all three apps.

Google has updated the search functionality on the home screens of Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides on the web. Now, searching from any of these home screens will return results from all three applications. The results page will display 'Top results' containing a mix of relevant files, followed by a section for recent files specific to the app the user is currently accessing.

Hijacked account, password leak, and suspended for spamming alerts removed from Admin console notification inbox

To reduce the volume of notifications and improve overall impact, Google is removing hijacked account, password leak, and suspended for spamming alerts from the Admin console notification inbox. These specific alerts will continue to be delivered to administrators via email.

Google Drive iOS app adds support for several new languages.

The Google Drive iOS app has been updated to support additional languages, including Hindi, Indian English, Canadian French, and Chinese (Hong Kong), improving accessibility for a wider range of global users.

Google Drive iOS app introduces Peek and pop support via 3D Touch.

The latest version of the Google Drive iOS app adds Peek and pop functionality for iPhone 6s and 6s Plus users. This feature allows users to utilize 3D Touch to preview a file or folder and perform common actions before fully opening or sharing the item.

Redesigned device management settings in the Admin console for easier navigation.

Google has redesigned the device management experience in the Admin console by logically categorizing settings into groups such as Android Settings, Setup, Password Settings, iOS Settings, Advanced Settings, Device Approvals, and App Management. This update makes the growing list of policy settings easier for admins to find and use, while the individual settings themselves remain unchanged.