Google Workspace Changes

Control session length for Google Cloud Console and gcloud CLI is now generally available.

Google Workspace, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and Cloud Identity admins can now set a fixed session duration for the GCP Cloud Console, gcloud command-line tool, and other applications requiring Cloud admin scopes. This feature, which is disabled by default and can be enabled at the OU level, requires users to re-authenticate once the session expires, reducing the risk of unauthorized access if a device is compromised.

New beta for data loss prevention (DLP) in Google Chat

Google has introduced a beta for data loss prevention (DLP) in Google Chat, allowing administrators to create custom policies to prevent sensitive and confidential information from leaking outside their organization. Admins can choose to either audit violations or block end users from sending sensitive content, and they will be alerted about policy violations to facilitate quick investigation and action.

AppSheet is now integrated into Gmail through dynamic email support.

Google Workspace has integrated AppSheet into Gmail via dynamic email support, allowing users to build and interact with AppSheet apps directly within their inbox. This integration enables the creation of embedded, editable data fields and the ability to trigger automation workflows—such as budget or vacation approvals—without leaving Gmail, increasing productivity for Enterprise Plus and AppSheet users.

Expanded device support and default availability for continuous framing on Google Meet hardware.

Google is expanding continuous framing support to more Meet-certified cameras, including the Logitech PTZ Pro 2, Logitech MeetUp, and Logitech Rally. Additionally, the continuous framing toggle will now be available by default for eligible devices in the meeting room settings, provided it hasn't been explicitly disabled in the Admin console.

Updated flows for managing 2-step verification backup codes.

Google has updated the user experience for managing backup codes for 2-step verification. Users will now be directed to a dedicated backup codes page to generate, refresh, print, or download codes, and a new option to delete backup codes has been added. This update is available on web, Android, and iOS devices.

Admins can now perform a domain-takeover to consolidate multiple Google Workspace Essentials instances on their domain.

Google Workspace admins can now use a 'domain-takeover' process to take control of all existing Google Workspace Essentials instances on their domain. This consolidation provides admins with centralized billing, additional management controls, and control over end-user access to services. The process ensures that users maintain uninterrupted access to their apps and services during and after the takeover. This feature is applicable to Google Workspace Essentials and Enterprise Essentials customers.

Hand raising is now available on Google Meet hardware devices.

Google is extending the hand raising feature to all Google Meet hardware to improve the hybrid working experience. Users on touch controllers can tap 'Raise Hand' at the top, while those using room kits with remote controls can access the feature via the participant list. Moderators and participants will see a list of raised hands in the order they were raised, along with notifications and badges on video tiles.

Configure member restrictions for Google Groups in open beta.

Google is introducing group-level controls that allow administrators to restrict group memberships based on whether members are internal or external, and by member type (service account, user, or group). This feature, available in open beta, helps ensure groups remain secure and properly configured by preventing new changes that violate established restrictions and identifying existing violating memberships.

Create and share meeting notes documents directly from Google Calendar events.

Google Calendar now allows users to quickly start and share meeting notes documents for events. By using the 'Create meeting notes' button during event creation or the 'Take meeting notes' button in a scheduled event, a Google Doc is automatically generated, populated with event details, and attached to the calendar event. This integration streamlines the process of capturing notes and ensures easy navigation between the calendar event and the corresponding document.

View richer coworker information in the sidebar for Google Chat, Calendar, Docs, Sheets, and Slides.

Users can now access additional information about people within their organization, including contact details, team and manager information, and office or desk locations, directly within the sidebars of Google Chat, Calendar, Docs, Sheets, and Slides. This feature, which was already available in Gmail, allows for better visibility of organizational directory data across multiple Google Workspace products.

The Class Meet link is now accessible on the side of the class stream and students will be directed to a waiting room.

We’ve added several new features to Google Meet in Classroom, making it easier and more secure: The Class Meet link is now accessible on the side of the class stream, so students can easily join and teachers can manage the link from the stream. Students will be directed to a waiting room until a teacher has officially joined the class Meet link.

The Class Meet link is now accessible on the side of the class stream and students will be directed to a waiting room.

We’ve added several new features to Google Meet in Classroom, making it easier and more secure: The Class Meet link is now accessible on the side of the class stream, so students can easily join and teachers can manage the link from the stream. Students will be directed to a waiting room until a teacher has officially joined the class Meet link.

Google Classroom video meetings are now easier and more secure with new Google Meet integration features.

Google has introduced several improvements to Google Meet within Google Classroom to enhance security and management. Key updates include placing the Class Meet link on the side of the class stream for easier access, implementing a waiting room for students until the teacher joins, requiring guests not on the class roster to ask for admission, and automatically granting co-host status to designated co-teachers to allow them to start meetings independently.

New look and feel for Workspace Updates email subscriptions

Google has improved the design and look of the emails sent to users subscribed to Workspace Updates. These emails will now be sent from noreply@workspaceupdates.withgoogle.com, and the new format will be rolled out to non-English markets in the coming weeks.

Porting in Google Voice now available in Canada

Organizations in Canada that have existing phone numbers with other service providers can now port those numbers over to Google Voice.