Google Workspace Changes

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 The previous single list of People, Rooms, and Bots has been replaced by two distinct tabs: 'People' (which now includes bots) and 'Rooms'.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.

New metrics on Hangouts

We are pleased to announce that we are adding new Hangouts metrics to the Reports API (part of the Admin SDK). These new metrics can be used to track video calls by platform.

New administrative control options for chat settings.

Google Apps administrators now have expanded options for configuring chat settings within the control panel. These new settings, which can be applied domain-wide or at the organizational unit level, include the ability to allow or restrict phone calls to landlines and mobile phones, voice calls between chat users, video calls between chat users, and file transfers between chat users.