Google Workspace Changes

Native offline capabilities are now available in the new Gmail.

Users of the new Gmail in a Chrome browser (v61 or higher) can now search, write, delete, and archive up to 90 days of messages without an internet connection. This feature requires administrators to enable it for the domain in the Admin console, after which individual users can activate it via the Offline tab in their Gmail settings.

Native offline capabilities for Gmail on the web.

Gmail on the web now supports native offline capabilities, enabling users to search, write, respond, delete, or archive up to 90 days of messages without an internet connection.

New side panel integration for G Suite apps and Add-ons.

Gmail now features a side panel that allows users to quickly reference or edit Calendar invites, capture ideas in Keep, manage to-dos in Tasks, and access third-party Gmail Add-ons without switching tabs.

Redesigned Gmail web application interface.

The Gmail web interface has been redesigned to allow users to take action faster, including the ability to click attachments directly from the inbox and hover over messages to RSVP, archive, or snooze emails without opening the thread.

AI-driven unsubscribe suggestions in Gmail.

Gmail will now use intelligence to recommend when users should unsubscribe from mailing lists based on cues such as the volume of emails received from a sender and the user's read rate.

High-priority notifications for Gmail mobile.

A new high-priority notifications setting on mobile ensures users are only notified of important messages, helping to minimize interruptions and reduce clutter.

Smart Reply expanded to Gmail on the web.

Following its success on mobile, Google is bringing Smart Reply to Gmail on the web, allowing users to respond to messages more quickly using AI-generated suggestions.

AI-powered Nudging for email follow-ups.

Gmail is introducing Nudging, an AI-powered feature that proactively reminds users to follow up or respond to messages that may have been overlooked in their inbox.

Redesigned security warnings in Gmail.

Gmail has updated its security warnings to be bigger and bolder, making them simpler to understand and providing a clearer call to action to help employees identify potentially risky emails.

Introduction of Gmail confidential mode for sensitive information.

Gmail confidential mode allows users to protect sensitive content by setting expiration dates for emails or revoking access to previously sent messages. It supports additional authentication via text message and includes Information Rights Management (IRM) controls to prevent recipients from forwarding, copying, downloading, or printing messages.

Receive Google prompts on iOS devices via the Gmail app

Making it possible for users with iOS devices to receive prompts via their Gmail app as well. This should encourage more people to use Google prompt, which is an easier and more secure method of authenticating an account.

Advanced anti-phishing and malware protection settings added to the Admin console.

Google has introduced new security settings in the Gmail Admin console under Apps > G Suite > Gmail > Safety to protect against phishing and malware. These updates include protections against encrypted attachments and scripts from untrusted senders, identification of shortened URLs, scanning of linked images, and various spoofing protections (similar domain names, employee names, and unauthenticated emails). While most settings are disabled by default for existing customers, 'Identify links behind shortened URLs' and 'Scan linked images' will be automatically enabled on April 4, 2018.

Inbox types are now supported in the Gmail app for Android.

Gmail is bringing inbox sorting options—including unread first, important first, starred first, and priority inbox—to the Android app. Users can now sync their web inbox configuration to Android or change the inbox type directly within the Android app settings, which will then reflect across web and iOS platforms.

Gmail contextual gadgets will be shut down on August 1st, 2018.

Google is planning to shut down all Gmail contextual gadgets on August 1st, 2018. These gadgets are triggered by clues in Gmail, such as the content of a subject line or an email message. Google recommends that administrators turn off their contextual gadgets and transition to Gmail Add-ons, which offer a better developer experience, cross-platform support, and increased stability.

Improved attachment compliance in Gmail DLP by scanning file contents for custom file types.

Google has enhanced Gmail Data Loss Prevention (DLP) capabilities regarding attachment compliance. Previously, custom file type searches only scanned the message's MIME header for filename extensions, which could be bypassed by renaming the file. Now, administrators can enable a feature to scan the actual contents of the attachment to determine its file type for supported types, providing better protection against data loss.