Google Workspace Changes

Updated ASUS Google Meet compute system

Google is refreshing existing ASUS kits with a new Google Meet compute system (formerly Chromebox). This updated system is slimmer, easier to deploy, and features an Intel i7 processor with a 128GB SSD, screwless and magnetic mounting, and single-sided ports for better cable management.

New ASUS starter kit for Google Meet Hardware

Google is introducing a new ASUS starter kit for Google Meet Hardware, designed for those who take frequent video conferences from home or from smaller-sized rooms. The kit includes a Huddly camera, speakermic, compute system, and a remote control, offering a more affordable and space-efficient solution for face-to-face connectivity.

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.

Google Voice is now generally available in Canada.

Google Voice is now available for G Suite customers based in Canada, allowing them to sign up for the service and assign phone numbers with Canada country codes (+1) to users. Additionally, the ability to port existing Canadian +1 numbers to Google Voice is expected to be available soon.

New sharing dialog for Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms.

Google is updating the sharing interface for Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms on the web to make it easier to share files with specific people and manage access. The new dialog features a task-focused interface that separates sharing with people and groups from link-sharing, adds a quick 'copy link' button, and provides a clearer view of current file access to help users audit permissions more efficiently.

Context-Aware Access for SAML apps available in beta

We’re enhancing Context-Aware Access (CAA) with a beta that enables admins to use it to control SAML apps.

Google Meet introduces low-light mode for mobile devices to automatically enhance video quality in suboptimal lighting.

Google Meet now automatically enhances video to adapt to low light conditions on Android and iOS devices. The enhancement begins five seconds after entering a low-light area and intelligently adjusts as lighting conditions change. This feature is enabled by default but can be turned off in the in-call settings menu.

New data exfiltration protections for G Suite data on iOS devices.

Google has introduced new security controls for admins to prevent the exfiltration of corporate data on iOS devices. Admins can now restrict the ability to copy and paste data from G Suite accounts to other accounts and restrict dragging and dropping files from specific G Suite apps, including Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides. This feature is available to G Suite Enterprise, G Suite Enterprise for Education, and Cloud Identity Premium customers.

Google Sites now supports access for accounts managed by Family Link.

Users with personal Google Accounts managed by Family Link can now view public sites and view or edit sites that are shared with them, specifically for sites created with the new Google Sites.

Google Sites adds announcement banners for time-sensitive updates.

Site owners can now create announcement banners that appear at the top of the site to highlight important, time-sensitive information for visitors, such as updated business hours or new assignment notifications.

Google Sites introduces new site templates for common use cases.

Google Sites has added 10 professional templates available in 16 languages to help users quickly create high-quality sites for help centers, project collaboration, class or team resources, club activities, and small businesses without requiring design or coding skills.

Google Meet now supports seeing up to 16 participants at once in tiled layout.

Google Meet has updated its tiled layout option, allowing users to see up to 16 participants simultaneously. This improvement is designed to enhance the dynamics of larger group meetings and classes by making it easier to track multiple speakers and see reactions, making remote meetings feel more like in-person interactions. This feature is currently available for Meet on the web.

Removal of 'Hangouts' from the Google Meet product name.

Google is dropping 'Hangouts' from the Google Meet name. This rebranding will be reflected within the product and across Google resources over the following few weeks.

Extension of advanced Google Meet features to all G Suite customers through September 30, 2020.

Google is extending the free availability of advanced Google Meet video-conferencing capabilities, including live streaming and recording, to all G Suite Basic, Business, Education, and Nonprofit customers until September 30, 2020, to support organizations and educators during the crisis.