Google Workspace Changes

Modernized visual design for Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides apps on Android.

Google is introducing a refreshed visual design for the Docs, Sheets, and Slides apps on Android devices, which includes updates to the editing toolbar, icons, and background colors.

Introduction of the Conflict Accounts Management tool to automate the conversion of unmanaged accounts to managed accounts.

Google is introducing the Conflict Accounts Management tool within the Admin console to reduce the manual effort required to turn unmanaged accounts—personal accounts created using an organization's domain—into managed accounts. Admins can now specify preferences for resolving these conflicts, such as automatically inviting users to transfer their accounts, replacing unmanaged accounts with managed ones, or blocking the creation of new accounts if an unmanaged one already exists. This functionality is applied when users are provisioned using the public Directory API with the 'resolveConflictAccount' parameter set to true.

Google Voice introduces 'Ask Before Transfer' to verify availability of the transfer target.

Google Voice users can now call and check with their transfer target before transferring a call. This feature ensures a better experience for both the transfer target and the transferred call participant by confirming the target is ready to receive the call.

Google Voice users can now be designated as ring group managers to manage settings directly.

Admins can now designate specific Google Voice users as managers of a ring group, allowing them to modify ring group members, call routing rules, ring duration settings, and working hours directly from voice.google.com instead of the Admin console. This delegation helps reduce administrative workloads for large customers.

Google Voice users can now call and check with their transfer target before transferring a call

Google Voice users can now call and check with their transfer target before transferring a call. This helps create a better experience for the transfer target and the transferred call participant.

Admins can now designate specific Voice users as managers of a ring group

Admins can now designate specific Voice users as managers of a ring group, allowing them to make changes from voice.google.com instead of the Admin console. Ring group managers can view and modify: Ring group members, Call routing rules, Ring duration settings, Working hours and more.

Calendar API now supports reading and writing user working locations.

The ability to programmatically read and write a user's working location using the Calendar API is now generally available. This allows developers to better understand campus flow, adapt on-site resources, and integrate with third-party tools such as hot desk booking or travel management systems.

Pre-fill feature for dropdown chips in Google Sheets

A new pre-fill feature allows users to automatically populate dropdown chip values from manually entered cell data when a range of cells is selected for dropdown insertion. Users can then refine these options and add styles via the dropdown sidebar.

Bulk conversion for place chips in Google Sheets

Users can now convert links to place chips in bulk from the insert menu or cell menu. This update simplifies the process of formatting data for event schedules, vendor lists, and trip itineraries by allowing multiple location links to be converted to smart chips simultaneously.

Reorganized file and folder menu in Google Drive

Google Drive has updated the right-click menu for files and folders. While the core functionality remains the same, the menu items have been reordered and renamed, and new sub-menus have been added to improve the user interface.

Updated timeline for in-line threaded experience in Google Chat

Google has updated the timeline for upgrading existing spaces organized by conversation topic to the new in-line threaded experience. The upgrade is now expected to begin in September 2023 and be completed by the end of Q1 2024.

Admins can now use context-aware access to control Workspace API access for 1st and 3rd party applications.

Google Workspace admins can now implement context-aware access policies to block or allow users' access to Workspace Applications when accessed via other Google (1st party) and non-Google (3rd party) applications. These policies can be based on user identity and request context, such as location, device security status, and IP address, providing an additional layer of security to protect against data exfiltration.

Google Slides introduces a pen tool for adding annotations during presentations.

Google Slides is introducing a new pen tool that allows presenters to highlight, circle, underline, draw connections, or make quick notes directly on their presentation while in slideshow mode. This feature is designed to make presentations more engaging and interactive. Users can activate the pen tool via the three-dot menu in the bottom-left of the viewer and use the accompanying eraser tool to remove annotations.

Gallery view is now supported for Zoom interoperability on Google Meet hardware.

Google Meet hardware devices now support Zoom's Gallery view for interoperability calls, replacing the previous Speaker view as the default layout. This update allows more participants to be seen on screen simultaneously, making better use of the available screen real estate.

Google Keep integration with Google Assistant is now available for all Google Workspace users.

Google Workspace users can now set Google Keep as the default provider for their notes and lists within Google Assistant. This integration allows users to use voice commands to create new lists, add or delete items from existing lists, and have Assistant read list items back to them.