Google Workspace Changes

G Suite domains are migrating from classic Hangouts to Hangouts Meet for new Calendar events.

Starting May 29, 2018, Google is enabling Hangouts Meet for all G Suite domains that are automatically upgrading on Google's recommended schedule. Consequently, all newly created Google Calendar events will contain Meet video meeting details, while previously created meetings will remain unaffected. Admins can revert to classic Hangouts for new meetings via the Admin console if desired.

Migrating all G Suite domains from classic Hangouts to Hangouts Meet.

Starting May 29th, Google will enable Hangouts Meet for all G Suite domains that are automatically upgrading on Google’s recommended schedule. This means that all newly created Google Calendar events will contain Meet video meeting details.

Calendar Interop now uses a restricted set of known IPs for Exchange server communication.

To enhance security for coexistence setups, Google Calendar Interop now utilizes a restricted set of known IPv4 and IPv6 addresses when communicating with Microsoft Exchange servers. This allows G Suite customers to block all incoming traffic to their on-premise Exchange servers via firewalls, except for requests originating from Calendar Interop.

Upgrading HTML boxes on classic Google Sites for improved performance and security.

Google is upgrading the functionality of HTML boxes in classic Google Sites to improve security and performance. This update may result in visual changes to embedded elements, such as different display sizes or styling. The rollout happens in two stages: starting May 25, boxes are upgraded when an editor opens them, and on June 30, all remaining legacy HTML boxes will be automatically upgraded.

Updates to Hangouts Meet home screen, screensaver, and custom wallpapers for in-room displays.

Google has introduced several updates to the Hangouts Meet TV display to improve user orientation. These include displaying the room agenda on the in-room display even when a touchscreen is connected, moving the clock and logo to the top of the screen, adding a new Meet logo screensaver for idle devices, and allowing administrators to upload custom wallpapers via the Admin console for specific organizational units.

Introduction of an automatic conversion tool to migrate classic Google Sites to the new Google Sites interface.

Google is introducing a tool that allows site owners to automatically create a draft of their classic Google Sites in the new Google Sites interface. This tool helps users migrate content and layout more efficiently without affecting the original site until the new version is published. The tool is available in admin preview starting May 22, 2018, and will roll out to end users on Rapid Release starting June 19, 2018.

Expanded Braille support for Google Sheets on Windows computers via JAWS and NVDA screen readers.

Google Sheets is expanding its accessibility features by adding Braille support for Windows computers using the latest versions of JAWS and NVDA screen readers. Users with Braille displays can now read and edit cell contents and navigate between cells. This update complements existing Braille support on Chrome OS (via ChromeVox) and Mac (via VoiceOver), ensuring a more inclusive experience across different operating systems and browsers.

Admins can now enforce password policies specifically for Android work profiles.

G Suite admins can now use Google Mobile Management to mandate password policies that apply exclusively to apps within Android work profiles on devices running Android 7.0 or higher. This allows organizations to secure corporate data with specific password requirements while allowing users to maintain their own security preferences for personal apps on the same device.

Improved Google Calendar audit logs for third-party ICS-related changes.

Google Calendar has enhanced its audit logs in the Admin console to provide more detail for changes originating from third-party systems, such as Microsoft Exchange or IBM Notes, via ICS files. New information added to the logs includes the email sender's address, the message ID for cross-referencing with Gmail audit logs, the specific third-party system that sent the message, and the email recipient. Admins can filter these activities by selecting 'Gmail ICS Parser' in the API Kind field.

Twelve third-party applications added to the G Suite pre-integrated SAML apps catalog

Building on other recent launches, we’re adding SAML integration for 12 additional applications: Black Duck, Brightcove, Chartio, Duo, Hootsuite, Jenkins, Jostle, Mango Apps, SumTotal, TextMagic, Veracode, Zinc

International Hangouts Meet dial-in phone numbers added for Colombia, Croatia, Lithuania, and Portugal.

Google has expanded the availability of international dial-in phone numbers for Hangouts Meet to four additional markets: Colombia, Croatia, Lithuania, and Portugal. This functionality is available exclusively for G Suite Enterprise edition users, enabling teams to stay connected by dialing into meetings from these regions.

Google Drive is updating its web interface to align with Google's latest material design principles.

Google Drive on the web is receiving a visual refresh to create a more responsive and cohesive experience across G Suite. While functionality remains unchanged, updates include a new Google Drive logo in the top left, custom company logos moving to the top right, repositioned Settings and Help Center icons, a white page background, an updated 'New' button, and updated header fonts.

Legacy Google Drive desktop sync client for Mac and PC will shut down starting May 12, 2018.

The legacy Google Drive for Mac/PC sync client will begin a gradual shutdown starting May 12, 2018. After this date, the client may stop syncing files between local computers and Google Drive, although local files will not be deleted. To assist with the transition, Drive File Stream will automatically rename any detected legacy Google Drive folders to include '(Not Syncing)' and display a notification to the user to prevent accidental editing of non-syncing files.

Google Mobile Management now supports managed configurations for Android apps

Google Mobile Management now allows IT admins to remotely set up "managed configurations" for Android apps. This feature enables admins to deploy complex settings, such as automatic VPN setup, directly to users' devices, reducing manual configuration steps and saving administrative time.

G Suite admins can now see site owners and request edit access in the new Google Sites.

G Suite admins with appropriate permissions will now see a 'Site details' button in the footer of new Google Sites. Clicking this button allows them to view the site owner's email address, the date the site was last published, and provides an option to request edit access to the site.