Google Workspace Changes

New insights and collaboration features added to the Activity dashboard in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides.

Google has introduced enhancements to the Activity dashboard across Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides to provide more actionable data. Users can now send follow-up emails to collaborators directly from the dashboard, with the ability to filter recipients based on whether they have viewed the file. Additionally, a new chart has been added to visualize viewing patterns over time, allowing users to adjust date ranges and hover over data points for more detailed insights.

Automatically generated meeting join instructions for third-party calendar clients.

Google Calendar now automatically adds text to event descriptions for users utilizing G Suite Sync for Microsoft Outlook, Google Sync, or third-party Android clients that rely on Calendar Provider. This text provides clear instructions on how to join meetings via Meet or Hangouts, allowing users of clients that do not natively display meeting instructions (such as Samsung S Planner) to join meetings without needing to access Google Calendar on the web.

Admin-controlled default settings for new Team Drives.

G Suite admins can now prescribe default settings for newly created Team Drives in their domains or organizational units. These defaults include options to prevent full-access members from modifying settings, restrict the creation of new Team Drives, and limit access for people outside the domain or non-members.

New user settings to safeguard Team Drive files.

Users with full access to a Team Drive can now modify settings to restrict whether files can be shared with users outside their domain or non-members of the Team Drive, and prevent commenters and viewers from downloading, copying, or printing files.

Include a message when changing or deleting meeting details in Google Calendar.

Google Calendar now allows users to enter a custom message in a dialog box when editing or deleting an existing meeting. This message is then included in the email notification sent to other guests, facilitating better communication regarding meeting changes.

Ability to copy and duplicate sites in the new Google Sites.

Google has introduced a feature allowing users to copy sites created in the new Google Sites. This functionality enables users to save time by creating backups of their work, establishing base templates for new sites, or iterating on previous versions without having to start from scratch. The feature is accessed via the More menu > Duplicate site.

Hangouts Meet is now compatible with Firefox version 60 and above.

To ensure a seamless transition to Meet, Google has added compatibility with Firefox starting on version 60. Meet utilizes native WebRTC protocols, which removes the requirement for any downloads or plugins when using the service in the Firefox browser.

G Suite domains are migrating from classic Hangouts to Hangouts Meet for new Calendar events.

Starting May 29, 2018, Google is enabling Hangouts Meet for all G Suite domains that are automatically upgrading on Google's recommended schedule. Consequently, all newly created Google Calendar events will contain Meet video meeting details, while previously created meetings will remain unaffected. Admins can revert to classic Hangouts for new meetings via the Admin console if desired.

Migrating all G Suite domains from classic Hangouts to Hangouts Meet.

Starting May 29th, Google will enable Hangouts Meet for all G Suite domains that are automatically upgrading on Google’s recommended schedule. This means that all newly created Google Calendar events will contain Meet video meeting details.

Calendar Interop now uses a restricted set of known IPs for Exchange server communication.

To enhance security for coexistence setups, Google Calendar Interop now utilizes a restricted set of known IPv4 and IPv6 addresses when communicating with Microsoft Exchange servers. This allows G Suite customers to block all incoming traffic to their on-premise Exchange servers via firewalls, except for requests originating from Calendar Interop.

Upgrading HTML boxes on classic Google Sites for improved performance and security.

Google is upgrading the functionality of HTML boxes in classic Google Sites to improve security and performance. This update may result in visual changes to embedded elements, such as different display sizes or styling. The rollout happens in two stages: starting May 25, boxes are upgraded when an editor opens them, and on June 30, all remaining legacy HTML boxes will be automatically upgraded.

Updates to Hangouts Meet home screen, screensaver, and custom wallpapers for in-room displays.

Google has introduced several updates to the Hangouts Meet TV display to improve user orientation. These include displaying the room agenda on the in-room display even when a touchscreen is connected, moving the clock and logo to the top of the screen, adding a new Meet logo screensaver for idle devices, and allowing administrators to upload custom wallpapers via the Admin console for specific organizational units.

Absolute count metrics for Drive removed from Admin console Reports API

Starting May 29, 2018, Google is removing absolute count metrics for Google Drive from the Admin console Reports API. These metrics have been replaced by activity-based metrics, a change that was previously announced and implemented in the Admin console user interface in October 2017.

Introduction of an automatic conversion tool to migrate classic Google Sites to the new Google Sites interface.

Google is introducing a tool that allows site owners to automatically create a draft of their classic Google Sites in the new Google Sites interface. This tool helps users migrate content and layout more efficiently without affecting the original site until the new version is published. The tool is available in admin preview starting May 22, 2018, and will roll out to end users on Rapid Release starting June 19, 2018.

Expanded Braille support for Google Sheets on Windows computers via JAWS and NVDA screen readers.

Google Sheets is expanding its accessibility features by adding Braille support for Windows computers using the latest versions of JAWS and NVDA screen readers. Users with Braille displays can now read and edit cell contents and navigate between cells. This update complements existing Braille support on Chrome OS (via ChromeVox) and Mac (via VoiceOver), ensuring a more inclusive experience across different operating systems and browsers.