Google Workspace Changes

Preview the last unread message in Google Chat conversations directly from the left-hand menu without marking it as read.

Google Chat is introducing a new feature that allows users to preview the last unread message in conversations directly from the left-hand menu by simply hovering over a bolded conversation. This enables users to triage messages without marking them as read. When ready to engage, users can click to jump straight into the conversation or thread.

Inline threading is rolling out for direct messages and group direct messages in Google Chat, allowing users to reply in-thread to any message in direct conversations for better organization.

Inline threading, previously exclusive to Spaces, is now being introduced to direct messages (DMs) and group direct messages (gDMs) in Google Chat. This highly anticipated feature aims to streamline the Chat experience by enabling users to reply in-thread to individual messages in direct conversations, thereby enhancing conversation organization and reducing clutter in the main chat stream.

Redesigned Google Chat conversation header with simpler navigation and side panel for shared content and tasks.

Google Chat on the web is introducing a redesigned conversation header that offers a simpler, more consistent layout, making key tools more accessible. This update includes a new side panel for users to access shared files, links, media, and manage tasks directly within the conversation view, with options to adjust its width or expand to full-screen. The header now features icons for quick navigation to 'Shared', 'Tasks', 'Threads', and 'Board'.