Google Workspace Changes

Google Tasks launches as a G Suite core service on June 28, 2018.

Google Tasks will launch as a standalone G Suite core service on June 28, 2018. Previously available as a feature of Gmail and Calendar, it will be enabled by default for all domains, though administrators can disable it in the Admin console. As a core service, Tasks will be covered under the existing G Suite agreement, including technical support and service level commitments.

App Maker is now generally available to G Suite Business and Enterprise customers, as well as G Suite for Education customers.

App Maker, G Suite’s low-code application development environment, is now generally available to help teams build custom apps to speed up workflows and make processes better. It offers built-in support for Cloud SQL, responsive templates, and integration with G Suite and other services.

Introduction of Endpoint Verification for desktop device reporting in the Admin console.

Google is introducing 'Endpoint Verification,' a new feature in the Admin console that provides G Suite admins with visibility into the computers used to access corporate data. By utilizing Chrome extensions and native apps on ChromeOS, macOS, and Windows devices, admins can access a report containing an inventory of devices and security information such as screen lock status, disk encryption, and OS version.

Old Gmail routing settings are being migrated to a unified routing section.

Google is migrating old Gmail routing settings—including Sending, Receiving, Catch-all, and Domain-level routing—to a unified routing section in the Admin console. Admins can manually convert these settings using a 'CONVERT' button or wait for automatic migration starting July 11, 2018. Once converted, all routing rules will be manageable from a single location, and the old settings will no longer be visible in the user interface.

Google expands the Hangouts Meet ecosystem with Pexip interoperability and a new peripheral qualification program.

Google has partnered with Pexip to enable seamless interoperability between Hangouts Meet and other video conferencing systems, including Skype for Business, Polycom, and Cisco. Additionally, Google introduced a peripheral qualification program to certify cameras, audio devices, and cables for use with Hangouts Meet hardware. This program includes the certification of the Logitech MeetUp camera and speakerphone, as well as USB 3.0 extenders and hubs from Lindy and Newnex, ensuring quality and reliability through automatic over-the-air firmware updates.

New Material Design look for Google sign-in screens.

Google is updating the sign-in screens for G Suite accounts to adhere to Material Design principles. The visual changes include tweaks to the Google logo, the addition of an outline around the text field, and center alignment of all items on the screen.

New size and position controls for objects in Google Slides.

Google Slides is introducing new controls to allow users to precisely adjust the size and position of shapes, images, and text boxes. These updates enable users to set exact sizes using numeric values or percentage scales, adjust the specific position of objects on a slide, and rotate objects by flipping them horizontally or vertically or by setting a precise rotation angle.

Google Calendar now indicates when all guests have declined a meeting.

Google Calendar now provides a visual indication when all guests have declined a meeting, allowing users to identify events with no attendance without checking event details or RSVP emails. From this indication, users can choose to cancel the meeting, reschedule it, or dismiss the notification.

New integration allows direct import of SAP ERP content into Google Sheets.

In an upcoming SAP release, employees will be able to import ERP content directly into Google Sheets, removing the need to manually export data to CSV files and upload them to Drive, allowing for faster analysis using tools like intelligent pivot tables and macros.

Hangouts Meet becomes compatible with traditional video conferencing systems and Skype for Business.

Google is making Hangouts Meet compatible with traditional video conferencing hardware from providers like Polycom and Cisco through a partnership with Pexip. Additionally, users of Microsoft Skype for Business will be able to join Hangouts Meet meetings directly from their Skype application.

General availability of the new Gmail experience starting July 2018.

The new Gmail experience is transitioning from the Early Adopter Program to general availability in July 2018. G Suite administrators will have several options for the rollout: immediately transitioning users, allowing users to opt in, or waiting four weeks before users can opt in. Users who have not transitioned will be automatically migrated approximately eight weeks after the GA announcement, and the option to opt out will be completely removed twelve weeks after the launch.

Hangouts Chat introduces support for external collaboration with users outside the organization.

Google is updating Hangouts Chat to allow users to include people from outside their organization in conversations, facilitating easier alignment and communication with clients, vendors, and partners.

Ability to book Microsoft Exchange resources directly in Google Calendar.

G Suite users will soon be able to view and book resources, such as meeting rooms and equipment, that are stored in Microsoft Exchange and Office 365 directly within Google Calendar.

Google Calendar introduces native support for third-party conferencing add-ons.

Google Calendar is adding support for third-party conferencing add-ons, allowing providers such as Cisco Webex, GoToMeeting, and RingCentral to enable users to create, view, and join video conferences directly from a Calendar event on web or mobile without requiring downloads or plug-ins.

Configure Google Groups privacy and security settings to prevent accidental data sharing.

Google provides detailed guidance on configuring Google Groups settings to balance collaboration and security. By default, groups are private, restricting viewing, posting, and joining to domain members. G Suite admins can customize these defaults at the domain level or for specific groups, including managing who can create groups and whether external users can post or join, ensuring alignment with organizational security policies.