Google Workspace Changes

Existing classic Hangouts conversations with external users will now appear in Google Chat.

Beginning May 18, 2020, conversations with external users in classic Hangouts will automatically appear in Google Chat as new messages are sent, facilitating a smoother transition between the two platforms.

Google Chat now allows conversations with people outside of your domain via direct messages or rooms.

Starting May 26, 2020, users can start conversations in Google Chat with external users by sending direct messages or adding them to rooms designated as 'External'. External users must have a Google Account and will be identified by an 'external' badge. Admins can control this functionality through the 'Chat externally' and 'External Rooms' settings in the Admin console.

Google Voice is now generally available in Canada.

Google Voice is now available for G Suite customers based in Canada, allowing them to sign up for the service and assign phone numbers with Canada country codes (+1) to users. Additionally, the ability to port existing Canadian +1 numbers to Google Voice is expected to be available soon.