Google Workspace Changes

View corresponding Google Chat messages from the Tasks tab in a Chat room

Users can now quickly navigate back to the original Google Chat message where a task was created or indicated by using the 'View in Chat' icon within the Tasks tab of a Google Chat room. This feature is available on the web by hovering over the task and on mobile by selecting the task, helping users surface context and re-engage stakeholders more efficiently.

Dark mode is now available for Google Chat on the web and the Progressive Web App (PWA).

Users can now enable dark mode for Google Chat on the web (chat.google.com) and the Google Chat Progressive Web App (PWA) by navigating to Settings > Theme settings. This feature aims to provide a better viewing experience in low-light conditions by reducing brightness and potentially decreasing eye strain.

Limit external chat to only users in domains that you trust in Google Chat.

Admins can now limit external chat to people in trusted domains for their entire organization, or set different policies for different OUs. This gives admins more fine grained control over external chat in their organization and can help prevent inappropriate or undesired external chats.

Limit external messaging to trusted domains in Google Chat

Google Chat now allows administrators to limit external chat communication to only users within specific trusted domains. Previously, admins could only choose to allow or disallow external chat entirely; now, they can set more granular policies for the entire organization or specific organizational units (OUs) to ensure users only communicate with approved external stakeholders.

Updated emoji experience in Google Chat with Emoji 13.1 and improved personalization.

Google Chat is updating its emoji experience across web and mobile platforms. The update includes the adoption of the Emoji 13.1 set, the introduction of gender-neutral options for gender-modifiable emojis, and the ability to save skin tone and gender preferences for individual emojis.

Admins can now migrate all users from classic Hangouts to Google Chat using the 'Chat preferred' setting.

Google has introduced the 'Chat preferred' setting in the Admin console, allowing administrators to migrate all users from classic Hangouts to Google Chat. When enabled, Google Chat becomes the default chat application for the organization and is integrated directly into Gmail on the web. This integration allows users to access 1:1 and group direct messages, full-screen rooms, bot integrations, and emoji reactions without switching tabs.

Google launched a new standalone Progressive Web Application (PWA) for Google Chat.

Google has introduced a new standalone Google Chat app as a Progressive Web Application (PWA), providing a fast and reliable experience on any desktop device with Google Chrome browser version 73 and up. The PWA integrates with the device's operating system to function like a native app, ensures security through automatic Chrome updates, and allows admins to deploy the app to all users via the Admin console. It is compatible with Windows, MacOS, Chrome OS, and Linux.

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.

Combining Admin console settings for Hangouts Chat and classic Hangouts.

Google is consolidating the Admin console settings for Hangouts Chat and classic Hangouts into a single location under Admin console > Apps > G Suite > Hangouts Chat. This change simplifies policy management for chat history, external user chats, and third-party integrations (bots) without altering the existing effective settings of the organization.

Updated layout and navigation for Hangouts Chat mobile apps on Android and iOS.

Google has updated the Hangouts Chat mobile apps for Android and iOS to improve organization. The previous single list of People, Rooms, and Bots has been replaced by two distinct tabs: 'People' (which now includes bots) and 'Rooms'. Additionally, the top filter has been removed to simplify navigation, with users encouraged to use the search icon or the '+' button to start conversations.

Search, view and add bots directly within Hangouts Chat

Google is making it easier to find bots within Hangouts Chat by introducing a catalog. When users select 'Find a Bot', they can now discover bots, view more information about them, and choose to either message the bot or add it to a room, depending on the bot's capabilities.

Improving the side panel on Hangouts Chat, making it easier to keep track of your chats and stay organized.

In addition to Starred, you’ll now see the following sections in the left-hand side panel: People, Rooms, and Bots, with corresponding chats grouped accordingly. These sections will better organize your chats, making it easy to find specific chats and see where there are items that need attention.

Hangouts Chat introduces support for external collaboration with users outside the organization.

Google is updating Hangouts Chat to allow users to include people from outside their organization in conversations, facilitating easier alignment and communication with clients, vendors, and partners.

Hangouts Chat is now generally available as a core service.

Google has launched Hangouts Chat as a core service for G Suite, making it available to all editions except Government. The service is enabled by default for most organizations and is compatible with classic Hangouts, ensuring seamless communication across both platforms. Admin controls for chat history and service activation are available in the Admin console.