Google Workspace Changes

Limited support for Hangouts Meet added for Microsoft Internet Explorer 11.

Google has introduced limited support for Hangouts Meet in Microsoft Internet Explorer 11. To enable this functionality, users are required to download and install the latest version of the Google Video Support Plugin. This update is available to all G Suite editions and is off by default.

Dark mode is now available for Google Tasks on iOS 13.

Google Tasks will now automatically respect the system default setting when it is set to "Dark" on iOS 13. This feature is designed to create a better viewing experience in low-light conditions and help preserve battery life.

Google Sites is introducing version history for newly created and existing sites.

Google is adding version history to new Google Sites, allowing site editors to revert to previous versions, restore deleted content, and view the history of changes. The feature is rolling out for newly created sites starting December 4, 2019, and is expected to be available for most existing sites by the end of 2020.

We’re adding a Cloud Search integration in new Google Sites.

Site editors can now replace in-site search with Cloud Search, or add an always-open Cloud Search box to the header, body, or footer of the site itself.

New customization options for image carousels, table of contents, and buttons in Google Sites.

Google Sites is introducing several highly requested customization options. Users can now add captions and set transition speeds for image carousels, hide specific headings from the table of contents, and choose between three different styling options (filled, outlined, and text) for buttons.

Drive file suggestions in Chrome allow users to search their Google Drive files directly from the Chrome URL bar.

Starting on December 16, 2019, users who restart their browsers will be able to search for any Drive files that they have access to, including ones they haven’t previously opened in Chrome.

Drive file suggestions in Google Chrome will be generally available starting December 16, 2019.

Starting December 16, 2019, users will be able to search for any Google Drive files they have access to directly from the Google Chrome URL bar, including files they have not previously opened in the browser. This feature will be enabled by default for organizations, and administrators can manage access at the organizational unit or group level through a new setting in the Admin console.

Updated 'What's new in G Suite?' Help Center article with filterable and searchable lists.

Google has updated the 'What's new in G Suite?' Help Center article to include a comprehensive list of all G Suite launches from the past six months. The updated article allows users to filter by product or search by keyword to easily find and learn about specific updates.

Google Voice is now generally available in Ireland.

Google Voice is now available to G Suite customers in Ireland, allowing them to sign up for the service and assign phone numbers with Ireland country codes (+353). The ability to port existing +353 numbers to Google Voice is expected to be available soon.

Beta program for Google Assistant on Asus Hangouts Meet Hardware Kit

Google is launching a beta program that allows users to control the Asus Hangouts Meet Hardware Kit using Google Assistant. This integration enables voice commands to join or exit meetings, call phone numbers, and turn on spoken feedback, aiming to create a more seamless meeting experience and increase accessibility.

Smart Compose for Google Docs launching in beta

Google is introducing a beta version of Smart Compose for Google Docs on the web. This AI-powered feature helps users draft high-quality content faster by suggesting relevant contextual phrases and reducing the likelihood of spelling and grammatical errors. The beta is available in English for all G Suite editions, and admins must sign up for the beta to have their domain whitelisted for access.

Google Assistant beta for G Suite accounts enables voice commands for Gmail and Google Calendar.

Google is opening a beta program that allows G Suite users to use Google Assistant with their work accounts to accomplish tasks on-the-go. The Assistant can respond to voice commands to identify the next meeting, create, cancel, or reschedule Calendar events, send emails, and dial into meetings. This beta functionality is currently available in English for all G Suite editions, and admins must apply to participate.

Allow site viewers to provide feedback on Google Sites

Site viewers of G Suite domain-owned Google Sites can now provide feedback or ask questions directly from the published site. Feedback is sent to the site owner via email, allowing the owner to reply and start a conversation. This feature is enabled by default for newly created sites and disabled by default for existing sites.

Data Connector for Zendesk is now available as an add-on for Google Sheets.

Google has introduced a new data connector add-on for Google Sheets that enables users to import and analyze data from Zendesk. This tool allows organizations to configure query configurations, search for Zendesk tickets, list metrics, and refresh query results directly within a spreadsheet using the Zendesk API.

Combining the Admin console settings for Hangouts Chat and classic Hangouts.

Combining the Admin console settings for Hangouts Chat and classic Hangouts to make it easier to manage policies and make sure they’re configured appropriately. The new settings will be located at Admin console > Apps > G Suite > Hangouts Chat.