Google Workspace Changes

Updating the Google Drive plug-in for Microsoft® Office to include Outlook support.

From within Outlook for Windows, you can now: Insert files using Drive, Save local files to Drive seamlessly, Update sharing permissions

Increased admin control over Google Drive file sharing options.

Google has introduced new Access Checker settings in the Admin console, allowing administrators to define the sharing options users see when sharing Drive files via Gmail, comments in Docs, Sheets, or Slides, protected ranges in Sheets, or Calendar invites. Depending on whether external public sharing is permitted, admins can now restrict these options to 'Recipients only', 'Recipients only or their domain', or 'Recipients only, their domain, or public'.

Improved file and folder organization in Google Drive via new toolbar options and drag-and-drop functionality.

Google Drive is making it easier to organize files and folders. Users will now see 'Add to My Drive' or 'Move to' options in the toolbar when viewing search results, Shared with me, Recent, or Starred views. Additionally, users can now drag and drop items from search results into folders and organize files directly from the preview screen.

Google Drive iOS app adds support for several new languages.

The Google Drive iOS app has been updated to support additional languages, including Hindi, Indian English, Canadian French, and Chinese (Hong Kong), improving accessibility for a wider range of global users.

Google Drive iOS app introduces Peek and pop support via 3D Touch.

The latest version of the Google Drive iOS app adds Peek and pop functionality for iPhone 6s and 6s Plus users. This feature allows users to utilize 3D Touch to preview a file or folder and perform common actions before fully opening or sharing the item.

Google Drive introduces an enhanced search experience with improved filters and platform-specific integrations.

Google Drive is rolling out a new search experience to help users find files more efficiently across Android, iOS, and the web. Key improvements include the ability to narrow searches by file type, instant access to advanced search options, and iOS-specific features like 3D Touch and search bar integration. Additionally, users can now search for shared files by the owner's name or email and utilize advanced filters such as modification date and specific keywords.

Updated version (v1.1.132.0) of the Google Drive plug-in for Microsoft Office

Google has released version v1.1.132.0 of the Google Drive plug-in for Microsoft Office. This update introduces the ability for customers to send feedback from the settings menu and a new per-machine based enterprise installer for internal software distribution. Additionally, it fixes an 'unknown error' that occurred when saving sharing changes and resolves Japanese language UI issues.

Smarter sorting experience for the 'Recent' view in Google Drive on the web.

Google Drive is introducing a smarter sorting experience for the 'Recent' view on the web. The update replaces the previous sorting dropdown options ('Last modified,' 'Last modified by me,' and 'Last opened by me') with a dynamically-generated view based on the user's actions. Items will continue to be segmented into time-based sections, and the UI will now indicate whether an item was opened, modified, or uploaded by the user, prioritizing items the user interacted with over those acted upon by collaborators.

Viewing shared files without a Google Account on Android

Google Drive for Android now allows users to view shared files without requiring a Google Account, bringing the Android app experience in line with the web version.

Custom sharing messages for Google Drive on iOS

To provide a more consistent experience across platforms, users of the Google Drive and Docs editor apps on iOS can now add custom messages to recipients directly from the app when sharing a file.

Mobile sharing notifications for Android and iOS

Users of the Google Drive app on Android and iOS can now receive mobile notifications when a file or folder is shared with them or when someone requests access to their content, allowing them to open files or grant access instantly from their mobile device.

Improved previews for Excel and other spreadsheet files in Google Drive and Gmail.

Google is introducing a more consistent and useful experience when previewing Excel and other spreadsheet files (such as .csv, .tsv, and .ods) in Google Drive and Gmail on the web. These files will now be displayed in a view-only format that is searchable and easily navigable, allowing users to print, download, share, or open the file in Google Sheets or another app for editing.

Request access to files with the Google Drive Android app

A new version of the Google Drive Android app allows users to request access to Drive content links received via email, Hangouts, and other sources when they do not already have permission to view the file.

Google Drive iOS app now supports backing up and sharing photos and videos from the iOS Photos app.

Users can now back up and share their photos and videos directly from the iOS Photos app to Google Drive using the latest app update.

Google Drive iOS app now allows opening, editing, and saving files back to Drive using third-party apps.

The latest version of the Google Drive iOS app enables users to open files, edit them using other document editing applications, and save the changes directly back to Google Drive.