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Google Workspace Updates - (fka) G Suite

Get official updates from the Google Workspace team about feature additions and enhancements for Google Workspace services like Google Meet, Google Chat, and Google Calendar.

1.
Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - October 4, 2024
October 4, 2024  21:33:13

4 New updates

Unless otherwise indicated, the features below are available to all Google Workspace customers, and are fully launched or in the process of rolling out. Rollouts should take no more than 15 business days to complete if launching to both Rapid and Scheduled Release at the same time. If not, each stage of rollout should take no more than 15 business days to complete.




Access filter chips more easily in Google Drive search
Last year, we introduced search chips in Drive to enable you to filter by criteria like file type, owner, and last modified date. To build upon this, we are adding these filters inside the Drive search bar, so you can find relevant files even faster in Drive. We will also show new as-you-type suggestions for filter chips. For example, if you type “doc”, you’ll see a suggested “Document” file type chip. | Rolling out to Rapid Release domains now; launch to Scheduled Release domains planned for October 22, 2024. | Available to Google Workspace customers, Google Workspace Individual subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about searching and finding files in Drive.

Access filter chips easier in Google Drive search

The Option List field type is now two separate field types in Label Manager 
Since launching, Google Drive Labels have supported the ability to make an Option List field a single-select or multi-select. To make this setting clearer and improve upon the user experience in the Label Manager, we’ve separated the options into two separate field types: Options list (Single select) and Options list (Multi select). | Rollout to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains is complete. | Available to Google Workspace Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Essentials Starter, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Essentials Plus, Education Standard, Education Plus, Frontline Starter and Frontline Standard customers only. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about adding fields to a label. 


Improved spelling suggestions for Germanic languages in Google Docs
For years, users have used Google Docs’ spelling suggestion features for a variety of languages. This week, we’re excited to announce improvements to Norwegian spelling suggestions: 
  • Norwegian Bokmal 
  • Norwegian Nynorsk 
Rolling out to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains now. | Available to Google Workspace customers, Google Workspace Individual subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about checking your spelling & grammar in Google Docs and changing your language on the web.


Introducing new summary cards for purchase information in the Gmail mobile app 
Summary cards extract information from related purchase emails and visually display it at the top of the email to provide helpful information about orders and deliveries. This week, we’re excited to announce updates for purchase-related summary cards including new action buttons, the ability to organize key information across related emails, and real-time status updates. Now you can effortlessly find order details of recent purchases or stay up-to-date on the latest delivery status. The new purchase summary cards are now available in the Gmail mobile app on iOS and Android devices. | For Android devices, rollout to Rapid Release domains is complete; launch to Scheduled Release domains planned for October 14, 2024. | For iOS devices, rollout to Rapid and Scheduled Release domains is complete. | Available to Google Workspace customers, Google Workspace Individual subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about using summary cards in Gmail.

new summary cards for purchase information in the Gmail mobile app

Previous announcements

The announcements below were published on the Workspace Updates blog earlier this week. Please refer to the original blog posts for complete details.


Comments and action items are now available for client-side encrypted Google Sheets and Slides 
The use of comments and action items are now available in client-side encrypted Google Sheets and Slides. | Learn more about client-side encrypted comments in Sheets and Slides.


Beta update: Data Loss Prevention enforcement in Gmail is now instantaneous 
We’re announcing enhancements for the Data Loss Prevention for Gmail open beta, which are designed to improve usability without compromising sensitive data protections for Gmail. | Learn more about the DLP beta in Gmail. 


New Watermarking in Google Meet Helps Protect Your Meeting Content 
Google Workspace customers with a Gemini add-on can now watermark presented content and video feeds in Google Meet. Watermarking in Google Meet will appear as a subtle text overlay that displays the meeting code and the email address of the viewer over the shared content and video feeds of participants.| Learn more about Watermarking in Meet.


Gmail Q&A now available on iOS devices
Last month, we introduced a new way of searching your inbox with Gemini on Android devices. Starting this week, this feature is also available on iOS devices, enabling you to ask Gemini questions about your inbox. | Learn more about Q&A on iOS devices.


Completed rollouts

The features below completed their rollouts to Rapid Release domains, Scheduled Release domains, or both. Please refer to the original blog posts for additional details.


Scheduled Release Domains: 
Rapid and Scheduled Release Domains: 
For a recap of announcements in the past six months, check out What’s new in Google Workspace (recent releases).   

2.
Gmail Q&A now available on iOS devices
October 3, 2024  19:37:22

What’s changing

Last month, we introduced a new way of searching your inbox with Gemini on Android devices. Starting today, this feature is also available on iOS devices, enabling you to ask Gemini questions about your inbox. Gmail Q&A can help you answer specific questions about your emails, show you unread messages or messages from a specific sender, summarize emails about a topic in your inbox, and even answer general questions from search, all without having to leave your inbox.
Gmail Q&A now available on iOS devices

Who’s impacted 

End users 

Why it matters

We are excited to help users supercharge their productivity with the help of Gemini in Gmail. Users now have even more capabilities from Gemini to help users get more done during their day at their desks and now, on the go. 

Getting started

  • Admins: To access Gmail Q&A on Android, users need to have smart features and personalization turned on. Admins can turn on default personalization setting for their users in the Admin console. 
  • End users: 
    • Open Gemini in the Gmail app via the black Gemini star at the top right of your app or from a “summarize this email” chip. To start, Gmail Q&A can find information from your inbox. In the future, it will be able to find information from your Drive as well
    • Note: Gmail Q&A is currently available in English only.

Rollout pace 

Availability 

Available for Google Workspace customers with these add-ons: 
  • Gemini Business, Enterprise, Education, Education Premium 
  • Google One AI Premium 

Resources 

3.
New Watermarking in Google Meet Helps Protect Your Meeting Content
October 3, 2024  19:35:46

What’s changing 

Google Workspace customers with a Gemini add-on can now watermark presented content and video feeds in Google Meet. Watermarking in Google Meet will appear as a subtle text overlay that displays the meeting code and the email address of the viewer over the shared content and video feeds of participants. Using a watermark can help discourage unauthorized copying and sharing, protecting both users’ video images and content shared during meetings. Hosts and co-hosts can turn on watermarking at any time in the meeting. Once watermarking is turned on, it shows on all participants’ screens.



Additional details

Watermarking is available  to meeting participants signed into a Google account using the latest Chrome browser, Android or iOS apps, or Google Meet hardware devices. Only participants using supported browsers and apps will see video feeds when watermarking is turned on. 

Additionally, watermarking cannot be used when recording a meeting or live streaming a meeting. If you turn on a recording during a meeting, you’ll see a dialog box notifying you that watermarking stops when recording starts.

Getting started

  • Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
  • End users: To turn watermarking, go to Host controls > Add a watermark. Visit the Help Center to learn more about how to apply watermarks to your meeting.
Host controls > Add a watermark


Rollout pace


Availability

Available for Google Workspace customers with these add-ons: 

  • Gemini Enterprise 
  • Gemini Education Premium 
  • AI Security 
  • AI Meetings & Messaging 

Resources


4.
Beta update: Data Loss Prevention enforcement in Gmail is now instantaneous
October 3, 2024  19:05:08

What’s changing 

Today, we are announcing enhancements for the Data Loss Prevention for Gmail open beta, which are designed to improve usability without compromising sensitive data protections for Gmail. Once deployed, users will receive instant notifications on risks to applicable DLP policies prior to leaving their inbox, instead of having DLP rules evaluated after the message has already left the inbox. In addition to more timely user feedback, this capability, called synchronous DLP, helps educate users about the potential risk of leaking sensitive information. 


We’re also introducing a new action for DLP rules, “Warn”, which will notify users about potentially sensitive data while providing the option to send the message based on a user’s assessment of a risk. For added safety, the DLP service will scan messages one additional time after they leave the sender's mailbox.


Who’s impacted

Admins and end users


Why it matters 

Data breaches are one of the most common and costly security issues facing organizations. Often these breaches originate from within an organization by unintentional or intentional actions by their users. Data loss prevention capabilities help prevent this exfiltration of data and helps guide users about what information to share. To help safeguard sensitive information, organizations can create and enforce policies that not only detect and block sensitive information from being shared, but educate users on what information sharing is or is not appropriate and how to be compliant with those guidelines. Specifically, data loss prevention rules can look for sensitive text stings, custom detectors, or predefined detectors in outgoing messages sent internally or externally. 


The latest update for data loss prevention rules in Gmail brings the experience in line with Google Drive and Google Chat, which are already adopted broadly by Google Workspace customers. You can refer to our Help Center for more information about data loss prevention in Gmail.


Additional details

Customizable warning messages
DLP rules can be configured to block the message, warn users about sensitive information, or quarantine the message. When sensitive information is detected, users will be shown a dialog box notifying them of the risk. Admins can now choose to customize the information shown to end users in these dialog boxes, including why their message was flagged, what they can do to unblock themselves, and links to additional resources to educate them further.

Example of a custom warning message




Continued asynchronous scanning of messages
While messages will now be scanned synchronously, messages will go through additional scanning asynchronously (after the message leaves the inbox) for an additional layer of protection. This includes messages that are sent automatically, such as auto-forward or scheduled send, and messages sent from non-Gmail clients.


Getting started

  • Admins:
    • Data loss prevention in Gmail is available in open beta for select Google Workspace customers. These rules can be configured at the domain, OU, or group level. DLP rules can be enabled in Gmail in the Admin console under Security > Access and data control > Data protection. Note that with the new synchronous scanning, your end users will begin seeing dialog boxes related to these rules before messages leave the inbox. These will be displayed when using Gmail on the web and mobile.

    • Visit the Help Center to learn more about controlling sensitive data shared in Gmail. Note that you can modify existing DLP rules for Drive and Chat to also apply to Gmail. 

    • DLP events can be reviewed in the Security Investigation Tool or Security > Alert Center, if alerts are configured in rules.

    • We recommend selecting “Audit only” when you’re setting up a new rule in order to test and monitor its performance, or to passively monitor the environment without interrupting email flow for your users. There are no changes to the “Audit only” action with this update, they will continue to operate as usual.

  • End users: Depending on the data loss prevention rules configured by your admin, you may see a dialog letting you know that:

    • Your message is blocked: Your message contains information that cannot be shared — you’ll need to remove it in order to send your message.
Dialog in case of a blocked message
    • Your message contains sensitive information: Your message contains information that is sensitive, but can be shared — you can decide whether to send it or edit the message to exclude this information. Note that your admin will be notified about this activity.


      Dialog in case of a warning

    • Your message contains sensitive information that requires review: Your message contains information that will need to be reviewed by an admin. You’ll have the option to submit it for review, and upon review it will be released for delivery or declined. You may receive a notification about the message being declined from delivery.


      Example of a quarantine message

Rollout pace

Availability

Available for Google Workspace:
  • Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus
  • Education Fundamentals, Standard, Plus, and the Teaching & Learning Upgrade
  • Frontline Standard
  • Cloud Identity Premium customers

Resources


5.
Comments and action items are now available for client-side encrypted Google Sheets and Slides
October 2, 2024  15:13:00

What’s changing

We’re pleased to announce that the use of comments and action items are now available in client-side encrypted Google Sheets and Slides. This includes the ability to add, edit, reply, filter, or delete comments, as well as assign action items to yourself or others. This is already available for client-side encrypted Google Docs. Expanding this functionality to Sheets and Slides makes it easier to collaborate across encrypted documents.


Using comments in a client-side encrypted sheet

Additional details

Note that when sharing encrypted files, you can only assign “viewer” or “editor” permissions. “Commenter” permission is not supported. Viewers can view comments. Comments are saved each time the document is autosaved. If you restore the document to a previous version, the comments added to the document in that version are also restored.

Getting started

Rollout pace

  • Rapid Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on October 2, 2024
  • Scheduled Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on October 12, 2024

6.
Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - September 27, 2024
September 27, 2024  19:18:50

3 New updates

Unless otherwise indicated, the features below are available to all Google Workspace customers, and are fully launched or in the process of rolling out. Rollouts should take no more than 15 business days to complete if launching to both Rapid and Scheduled Release at the same time. If not, each stage of rollout should take no more than 15 business days to complete.



Use Gemini in Google Sheets to generate structured tables
We’re excited to announce that users can now generate structured tables with Gemini in the side panel of Google Sheets. Prior to this update, tables were output as plain text ranges without set column types or structure. Now, Gemini can help you simplify and accelerate spreadsheet building by bringing format and structure to unorganized ranges through table generation. | Rolling out to Rapid Release domains now; launch to Scheduled Release domains planned for October 17, 2024. | Available for Google Workspace customers with Gemini Business, Enterprise, Education, Education Premium add-ons and users with the Google One AI Premium subscription. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about using tables in Google Sheets.
Use Gemini in Google Sheets to generate structured tables
Refreshed illustrations in the Google Calendar app on Android and iOS devices
We’re introducing more modern illustrations for Google Calendar events like coffee, lunch or doctors appointments on Android and iOS. You’ll also notice updated monthly illustrations for background images in the schedule view on your mobile device or tablet. | Rolling out now to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains. | Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. 
Refreshed illustrations in the Google Calendar app on Android and iOS devices

New “Gemini Advanced” branding for Gemini for Google Workspace add-on users
The Gemini app (gemini.google.com) will now display a "Gemini Advanced" label for users with a Gemini Enterprise, Business, Education, Education Premium add-on. This will better indicate to users the advanced capabilities of the app included in these plans. We're also updating this branding across our Help Center to better indicate which features and settings are specific to these add-ons. | Rollout to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains is complete. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about Gemini for Google Workspace.
New “Gemini Advanced” branding for Gemini for Google Workspace add-on users

Previous announcements

The announcements below were published on the Workspace Updates blog earlier this week. Please refer to the original blog posts for complete details.


Kickstart ideas, brainstorm activities, and differentiate content with the help of Gemini in Google Classroom 
This week, we officially introduced a new Gemini Education tab in Classroom that grants quick access to numerous AI tools. | Learn more about Gemini in Classroom. 

Introducing security advisor, a new set of tools and insights to help small businesses protect their organization against cyber attacks 
To help small businesses, we’re introducing security advisor, a set of new insights and tools designed to enhance security for small businesses – including threat defense, account security, and data protection capabilities. | Learn more about security advisor. 

Customize your Google Docs with polished cover images 
We’re making it easy for you to personalize and differentiate documents with full-bleed cover images that extend from one edge of your document to the other. | Learn more about cover images. 

Preview and test upcoming features on Google Meet hardware devices 
Using the new “Feature preview” setting, specific Google Meet hardware devices can be configured to test upcoming features prior to general availability. | Learn more about testing Meet hardware features. 

Gmail allows more senders to protect their brand using BIMI Common Mark Certificates 
We introduced two additional updates for BIMI that will continue to keep inboxes safe: Gmail now supports Common Mark Certificates (CMC) and BIMI verified check marks are now displayed on Android and iOS. | Learn more about BIMI Common Mark Certificates. 

Google Sheets tables are now integrated with conditional notifications 
There is a new integration between conditional notifications and tables in Sheets. | Learn more about tables and conditional notifications. 

Gemini in Gmail will now provide contextual Smart Replies 
We’re excited to announce a new Gemini in Gmail feature, contextual Smart Replies, that will offer more detailed responses to fully capture the intent of your message. | Learn more about contextual Smart Replies.

Completed rollouts

The features below completed their rollouts to Rapid Release domains, Scheduled Release domains, or both. Please refer to the original blog posts for additional details.


Rapid Release Domains: 
Scheduled Release Domains: 
Rapid and Scheduled Release Domains: 
For a recap of announcements in the past six months, check out What’s new in Google Workspace (recent releases). 
7.
Gemini in Gmail will now provide contextual Smart Replies
September 27, 2024  18:36:57

What’s changing

In 2017, we introduced Smart Reply in Gmail, a feature that utilizes machine learning to suggest three quick responses to emails based on the email's content. Thanks to this feature, users have saved time, especially when on the go, by easily responding to emails with minimal effort. 

However, we realize there are scenarios in which users would like to respond with more than a simple “Sounds good to me!” or a “Yes, I’m working on it”. As a result, we’re excited to announce a new Gemini in Gmail feature, contextual Smart Replies, that will offer more detailed responses to fully capture the intent of your message. 

After initiating an email reply, users will see a few response options at the bottom of their screen that take the full content of the email thread into consideration. Hover over each response to get a quick preview of the text, select the one that feels right for the situation, and edit it as you see fit or send the response immediately.
Get reply suggestions with Gemini in Gmail

Who’s impacted 

End users 


Why it’s important 

The contextual Smart Reply feature saves time and makes inbox management easier. 


Getting started


Rollout pace 

Android, iOS, and web: 

Availability 

Available for Google Workspace customers with these add-ons: 
  • Gemini Business, Enterprise, Education, Education Premium 
  • Google One AI Premium 

Resources 

8.
Google Sheets tables are now integrated with conditional notifications
September 25, 2024  14:26:04

What’s changing 

Earlier this year, we introduced tables in Google Sheets, a feature that accelerates spreadsheet building by formatting and organizing your data into a polished design with column types, filters, color coding, dropdown menus and more. A month later, we added conditional notifications to provide you with greater visibility into spreadsheet changes most relevant to your workflow via email notifications. 


To bring these features closer together, we’re excited to announce a new integration between conditional notifications and tables in Sheets. 


As a result: 
  • Conditional notification rules can now be directly applied to tables and will recognize table column names. 
  • All tables now come with a new, easy entry point to conditional notifications in the controls header. 
  • Common conditional notifications will now be built-in to pre-built tables by default and can be enabled with a single click. 
setting up conditional notifications in table in sheets


Notified users will receive a detailed email that shows changes made to a Sheet: 
detailed email that shows changes made to a Shee

Getting started 

  • Admins: There is no admin control for this feature. 
  • End users: 
    • If you own or have edit-access to a Sheet, you can add or view conditional notifications on your table by clicking on the lightning bolt icon on the table header. From here, you can view and choose to enable, disable, delete, or edit any existing rules. 
      • Up to 10 rules can be added to a spreadsheet. 
      • The rules are assigned default names automatically. However, you can update the name of the rule by utilizing the text editor. 
    • Please note: we group notifications for a better experience and they may take up to 30 minutes to send. 
    • Visit the Help Center to learn more about how to use conditional notifications and tables in Sheets. 

Rollout pace 

Availability 

Available for Google Workspace: 
  • Business Standard, Plus 
  • Enterprise Starter, Standard, Plus 
  • Education Plus 
  • Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Essentials Plus

Resources

9.
Gmail allows more senders to protect their brand using BIMI Common Mark Certificates
September 24, 2024  20:22:46

What’s changing

Since 2021, Brand Indicators for Message Identification (BIMI) has been critical in building trust between email senders and email recipients. To qualify for BIMI, senders must adopt best practices and have their domains and brand logos verified by a third party. Together, this helps foster trust among recipients, allowing them to easily identify emails for legitimate sources. Today, we’re pleased to announce two additional updates for BIMI that will continue to keep inboxes safe: 


Gmail now supports Common Mark Certificates (CMC), a new type of BIMI certificate being issued by Certificate Authorities (CA). CMCs allow a broader range of senders to utilize BIMI, who might not have the registered trademark required for a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC). With a CMC, the sender's brand avatar will be displayed without the Gmail verified checkmark that's displayed for VMCs. 


BIMI verified check marks are now displayed on Android and iOS. Currently, Gmail on the web will display a verified checkmark for senders who have adopted BIMI with a registered trademark (VMC). Over the next few weeks, users will also see those verified checkmark icons while using the Gmail application on Android and iOS (Apple Mail or other mail applications are not supported). Note that this update is applicable for VMCs only.



Who’s impacted

Admins and end users


Why it’s important

BIMI promotes another layer of security to Gmail by requiring strong authentication and verification of logos before they’re displayed in Gmail as avatars. Strong email authentication helps users and email security systems identify and stop spam, and also enables senders to leverage their brand trust. This increases confidence in email sources and gives readers an immersive experience, creating a better email ecosystem for everyone. 


Getting started

  • Admins:
    • Visit the Help Center to learn more about setting up BIMI. 
    • To learn more about BIMI and see the latest news, visit the working group’s website. 
    • To take advantage of BIMI for your outgoing emails to Gmail and other platforms, ensure that your organization has adopted DMARC, and that you have validated your logo with a VMC, issued by a Certification Authority.
  • End users: Users will see verified brand logos, and sometimes a checkmark icon, for senders who have adopted BIMI. 

Rollout pace


Availability

  • Available to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google accounts

Resources


10.
Preview and test upcoming features on Google Meet hardware devices
September 24, 2024  17:33:01

What’s changing 

Using the new “Feature preview” setting, specific Google Meet hardware devices can be configured to test upcoming features prior to general availability. This is especially beneficial for testing purposes, gathering user feedback, creating training materials, and raising awareness before the feature is released broadly to your users.

Menu > Devices > Google Meet hardware > Settings > Feature preview


Who’s impacted

Admins and end users 


Why you’d use it

Prior to the launch of the “Feature preview” setting, there was no way for admins to preview upcoming features before they roll out to hardware devices, which can be potentially confusing to end users when they see new features unexpectedly. Now, customers have the opportunity to preview changes in advance, which gives them time to inform and educate their users about upcoming changes, prepare their IT help desks, and more. Overall, this update aims to increase awareness and adoption of helpful meeting features while reducing the risk of end user confusion.


Getting started

  • Admins: The “Feature preview” setting is configured to “General availability” by default. When “Early preview” is selected, devices will receive new features when they are released to the “preview” stage. Visit the Help Center to learn more about trying features early on your devices. We recommend that 10% or less of your fleet adopts “Early preview” to try new experiences in conference rooms before they roll out to General availability.
  • End users: Depending on your organization’s configuration, you may be able to preview new features on select Google Meet hardware devices.
When enabled, the device screen displays a "Preview" banner indicating the device is currently in "Early preview" mode


Rollout pace


Availability

  • Available to all Google Workspace customers with Google Meet hardware devices

Resources




11.
Customize your Google Docs with polished cover images
September 24, 2024  16:33:35

What’s changing 

We’re making it easy for you to personalize and differentiate documents with full-bleed cover images that extend from one edge of your document to the other. 


Whether you’re customizing a document for a customer with industry themes, personalizing an onboarding document for a new employee or building a virtual brochure for your company’s products, cover images help set the tone for a document by adding relevant visuals. 


You can add cover images from our curated gallery or upload your own image. To insert, you can either: 
  • Click the new “Cover image” chip at the top of your Doc (similar to the ones introduced last year). 
  • Go to Insert > Cover image > Upload from computer or Choose from stock images. 
  • Type “@” followed by Cover image > Upload from computer or Choose from stock images. 
Adding a cover image to your Google Doc


Additional details 

Cover images can only be added to documents set to pageless mode, allowing the image to span the entire width of the document. To set up the more immersive experience of pageless mode, go to File > Page setup > Pageless or Format > Switch to Pageless format. 


Getting started 


Rollout pace


Availability

  • Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts 

Resources 

12.
Introducing security advisor, a new set of tools and insights to help small businesses protect their organization against cyber attacks
September 24, 2024  16:40:33

What’s changing

The cyber threat landscape is evolving and there's been an increase in the sophistication and volume of malicious threats. Small businesses frequently lack the time, resources, and expertise that larger organizations have to implement robust security measures. As a result, threat actors often perceive these organizations as easier targets.

To help small businesses, we’re introducing security advisor, a set of new insights and tools designed to enhance security for small businesses – including threat defense, account security, and data protection capabilities. Security advisor offers tailored security insights, actionable guidance in the admin console, and simplified data protection controls — all to help businesses keep their customer data safe.

With security advisor, applying security settings is easier than before and the recommended settings can be easily adopted and customized to meet the specific needs of each organization in just a few steps. This helps organizations elevate their security posture, helps their IT team be more efficient by simplifying admin work, and helps reduce the risk of misconfigured security settings with a guided, in-app experience in the Admin console.

In addition to security insights in the Admin console, the security advisor feature set includes the following:

Admin console > Security > Security advisor


Getting started


Rollout pace


Availability

  • Available for Google Workspace Business Starter, Standard, and Plus

Resources


13.
Kickstart ideas, brainstorm activities, and differentiate content with the help of Gemini in Google Classroom
September 23, 2024  20:12:28

What’s changing

Earlier this year, we introduced the Gemini Education and Gemini Education Premium add-ons to give education customers ​​new and powerful ways of working, teaching and learning with Gemini for Google Workspace. We also piloted Gemini in Google Classroom with new lesson planning features that are informed by LearnLM, our new family of models fine-tuned for learning, based on Gemini and grounded in educational research. 


Today, we’re excited to officially introduce a new Gemini Education tab in Classroom that grants quick access to the following AI tools: 

  • Outline a lesson plan: Use a scaffolded experience to generate lesson plan ideas based on what you’d like students to be able to demonstrate 
  • Craft a compelling hook: Spark curiosity and engage your students with a compelling start for your class 
  • Generate a quiz: Generate a quiz and export to Forms based on target grade level, length, and the types of questions you want to include 
  • Re-level text: Generate a new version of your text based on target grade level 
We are working closely with schools and educators globally to develop additional helpful tools. If you’re interested in joining the pilot program, learn more here. 

Gemini in Google Classroom



Who’s impacted 

Admins and end users 


Why it’s important 

Gemini in Google Classroom provides educators with a suite of generative AI tools that can generate new and unique content and make learning more personal and engaging for students. 


Additional details 

Gemini in Classroom is only available in English for education users over the age of 18. 


Getting started 

Rollout pace 

Availability 

Available for Google Workspace customers with these add-ons: 
  • Gemini Education and Education Premium 

Resources 

14.
Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - September 20, 2024
September 25, 2024  20:41:08

3 New updates

Unless otherwise indicated, the features below are available to all Google Workspace customers, and are fully launched or in the process of rolling out. Rollouts should take no more than 15 business days to complete if launching to both Rapid and Scheduled Release at the same time. If not, each stage of rollout should take no more than 15 business days to complete.



Ability to create announcement spaces using the Google Chat API is now generally available 
In June, we introduced the option to create announcement spaces using the Google Chat API through the Google Workspace Developer Preview Program. We’re excited to announce Google Workspace developers can now use the Chat API to create announcement spaces, plus read and update the permission settings of a space. | Rolling out now to Rapid Release domains and Scheduled Release domains. | Available to all Google Workspace customers. | Visit these Developer Docs for more information: PredefinedPermissionSettings and PermissionSettings fields.


Additional improvements to tables in Google Sheets 
Following our announcement of improvements to tables in Google Sheets, we’re adding even more enhancements to the experience. More specifically, you can now: 

1. Insert a blank table from the pre-built table sidebar 
Insert a blank table from the pre-built table sidebar

2. Reference tables successfully via IMPORTRANGE. For example, if you had a table named Table1 with column header values of of Column 1, Column 2, Column 3, etc.: 
    • To import the table range, including header cells, you would input: =IMPORTRANGE(spreadsheet_url, “Table1[#ALL]”) 
    • To import the table range, excluding header cells, you would input: =IMPORTRANGE(spreadsheet_url, “Table1[#DATA]”) 
3. Use the following keyboard shortcuts to easily convert ranges to tables: 
  • Cmd+Opt+T for Mac 
  • Ctrl+Alt+T for Linux and Windows 
    Rollout to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains for #1 is complete. | Rolling out to Rapid Release domains now for #2 and #3; launch to Scheduled Release domains planned for September 26, 2024 for #3 and October 3, 2024 for #2. | Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about using tables in Google Sheets.


    Introducing Dual Screen on Meet
    Following the recent announcement of an improved user experience for Google Meet on Android devices, we’re excited to introduce an additional feature, available on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold device, that provides you with a more immersive video call experience. Through the use of the front and inner cameras, you can now show both yourself and what you're looking at at the same time. Additionally, the person you're video chatting with can be seen on both the inner and outer screens to include everyone around you in the call. | Rollout to Rapid Release domains is complete; rolling out now to Scheduled Release domains. | Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. | Visit the Help Center to learn how Dual Screen on Google Meet works.

    Use both screens during a Meet call - rear screen view of foldable

    Use both screens during a Meet call - rear screen view of foldable


    Use both screens during a Meet call - front screen view of foldable



    Previous announcements

    The announcements below were published on the Workspace Updates blog earlier this week. Please refer to the original blog posts for complete details.


    Adding multi-monitor support to Google Slides
    We’re making it easier to view your Google Slides presentation controls on your computer while presenting to an audience using a connected external monitor or projector. | Learn more about multi-monitor support in Slides. 

    New beta available that restricts access to folders in Google Drive 
    We’ve introduced a beta that allows shared drive managers to restrict folders to specific users within a shared drive. This provides shared drive managers with greater flexibility to keep relevant content within a single shared drive, while restricting access to shared folders with sensitive information. | Learn more about restricting folder access.

    New design and accessibility improvements for embedded Google Calendars 
    Starting this week, you’ll notice a refreshed look and feel for embedded calendars that is in line with Google Material Design 3 and now includes enhanced accessibility features, such as the ability to use an embedded calendar with a screen reader and keyboard shortcuts to navigate more easily, and more. | Learn more about embedded Google Calendars.

    NotebookLM now available as an Additional Service 
    Last year, we introduced an Early Access App called NotebookLM, an experimental product using some of Google's most advanced models, like Gemini 1.5 Pro, that helps you gain critical insights grounded in the content of source documents you trust. We’re excited to announce that NotebookLM is officially available as an Additional Service. | Learn more about NotebookLM. 

    Admin features for space management via the Chat API are now generally available 
    Earlier this year, we introduced a series of space management capabilities for Workspace admins in the Google Chat API via the Google Workspace Developer Preview Program. These API features are now generally available for all Google Workspace customers and developers. | Learn more about space management via the Chat API. 

    Create birthdays in Google Calendar 
    To ensure a birthday is never missed, we’re introducing the ability to create and modify birthday events in Google Calendar on Android devices. | Learn more about birthdays in Calendar. 

    Additional iOS data exfiltration enhancement: account level data sharing between Google Workspace apps and non-Google Workspace apps on or off 
    Admins can now enable content sharing on personal Workspace accounts while preventing data sharing from corporate Workspace accounts on iOS devices. | Learn more about iOS data exfiltration enhancements.


    For a recap of announcements in the past six months, check out What’s new in Google Workspace (recent releases).  
    15.
    Additional iOS data exfiltration enhancement: account level data sharing between Google Workspace apps and non-Google Workspace apps on or off
    September 19, 2024  17:22:18

    What’s changing 

    Admins can now enable content sharing on personal Workspace accounts while preventing data sharing from corporate Workspace accounts on iOS devices.




    Additionally, admins can now prevent data sharing from unknown sources (typically non-Google Workspace apps) to personal Workspace accounts on Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Chat, and more, by setting a managed configuration. 

    The {customer_id} is a unique customer ID that’s assigned to your account. You can find it in your Admin console at Account > Account settings > Profile.



    Getting started

    • Admins: Blocking sending of work data to personal apps, including all non-Google Workspace apps on the iOS share sheet, will be OFF by default and can be enabled at the OU level. These settings can be configured in the Admin console under Devices > Mobile and endpoints > iOS settings > Data Sharing. Visit the Help Center to learn more about data protection on iOS devices. Use this article in our Help Center to learn more about how to set up the managed configuration, go to set up iOS apps with managed configurations.

    • End users: Sharing of data between Google Workspace apps and non-Google Workspace apps depends on your admin configuration. If you’re unable to share data between apps, you may see a warning message. Visit the Help Center to learn more about how your iOS device is managed.


    Rollout pace


    Availability

    Available for Google Workspace:
    • Enterprise Standard and Plus
    • Education Standard and Plus
    • Enterprise Essentials Plus
    • Frontline Standard
    • Cloud Identity Premium

    Resources



    16.
    Create birthdays in Google Calendar
    September 19, 2024  17:43:41

    What’s changing 

    Currently, Google Calendar automatically pulls in birthday information from Google Contacts. However, it is not currently possible to create birthday events directly in Calendar. 

    To ensure a birthday is never missed, we’re introducing the ability to create and modify birthday events in Google Calendar on Android devices. 

    For developers, newly created birthday events will be available in the Calendar API with the eventType “birthday.” Both Events.list and Events.watch will support the “birthday” event type filter and return “birthday” events by default. Only a subset of the event properties will be supported for birthday events. To learn more, see our developer guide about working with the birthday event type.

    Create birthdays in Google Calendar

    Who’s impacted

    End users and developers 


    Additional details 

    Birthday events do not support all event properties. If you’re using the Calendar API, we recommend reviewing your code so you don’t apply any non-supported properties. 

    Creating dedicated birthday events in Google Calendar will also become available on web and iOS devices in the future. 


    Getting started 

    Rollout pace 

    Web: 
    Mobile: 

    Availability 

    • Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. 

    Resources 

    17.
    Admin features for space management via the Chat API are now generally available
    September 19, 2024  17:37:33

    What’s changing

    Earlier this year, we introduced a series of space management capabilities for Workspace admins in the Google Chat API via the Google Workspace Developer Preview Program. These API features are now generally available for all Google Workspace customers and developers.

    Using these features, admins can easily perform a variety of space management related tasks at scale. This includes membership management, like adding and removing members, onboarding and offboarding users from spaces, cleaning up inactive spaces, and more. 

    These features are also available when using the Google Apps Manager (GAM), an open source command-line tool that helps administrators to perform bulk operations associated with various aspects of their Google Workspace. The tool can be used to automate space management tasks with command-line scripts, helping to reduce admin overhead and potential errors when using APIs. See this article in our Help Center for more information on using a third-party tool for mass provisioning.

    Who’s impacted

    Admins and developers

    Why you’d use it

    In 2023, we launched the Space Management tool, which allowed admins to view all the spaces within their organization, understand the activity within those spaces, and perform essential actions like deleting a space or assigning space managers. While finding the tool helpful to perform one-off tasks, admins expressed a desire for tools to perform these tasks at scale, for example, with the help of APIs. Admins can now use the Chat API to find information and manage spaces in their organization in bulk or programmatically. Specifically they can:

    • Find and delete inactive spaces: Using spaces.search, you can find spaces that haven’t been used since a specified date and time and then delete them.
    • Onboard and offboard users: Automatically add new users to relevant spaces and remove them from spaces when they leave or change roles.
    • Audit external members: Monitor and control access to your organization's data by identifying and removing external members from sensitive conversations.
    • Lookup and update space details: Easily manage space information like names, descriptions, and guidelines.
    • Verify user membership and upgrade roles: Manage user access and roles within spaces.
    • And more — please refer to our developer guidance for even more information.

    Getting started

    18.
    NotebookLM now available as an Additional Service
    October 2, 2024  16:55:02

    What’s changing 

    Last year, we introduced an Early Access App called NotebookLM, an experimental product using some of Google's most advanced models, like Gemini 1.5 Pro, that helps you gain critical insights grounded in the content of source documents you trust. 

    Today, we’re excited to announce that NotebookLM is officially available as an Additional Service. 

    Over the past year, NotebookLM, now available globally in over 100 languages, has been made more powerful with new features, and early users have been using NotebookLM to supercharge their learning and work. For example, NotebookLM can: 
    • Be an interactive expert in your trusted sources: Once you upload source documents (e.g. Google Doc and Slides, PDFs, web URLs, copied text) into a notebook, you can ask NotebookLM questions about the information in your sources. As a result, it will respond with an answer from the sources you’ve uploaded along with inline citations from those documents to show you what NotebookLM based its answers on. 

    • Generate new ideas and connect dots: NotebookLM can also be used to generate a variety of content based on your sources, like summaries, briefing docs, timelines, FAQs, study guides or even audio overviews (a new feature that lets you listen to a conversation about your source). NotebookLM can also spark creativity, help you brainstorm new ideas and make connections in your sources. You can save a response to a note, so you can come back to polish it later.

    NotebookLM demo


    Who’s impacted

    Admins and end users 18+ 


    Why you’d use it 

    NotebookLM is an AI-powered research assistant that lets people in your organization interact with trusted source content to get grounded insights. You can upload sources, such as your research notes, course materials, interview transcripts, or corporate documents, and instantly NotebookLM becomes an expert in the material that matters most to you. 


    Additional details 

    NotebookLM is an Additional Service covered under the Google Terms of Service 
    As a Google Workspace or Google Workspace for Education user, your uploads, queries and the model's responses in NotebookLM will never be reviewed by human reviewers, and will never be used to train AI models.


    Getting started 


    Rollout pace

    • Available now 

    Availability

    • Available to all Google Workspace customers

    Resources 

    19.
    New design and accessibility improvements for embedded Google Calendars
    September 17, 2024  21:52:38

    What’s changing

    Users currently have the ability to add an interactive version of their Google Calendar to their website, and add buttons for their website visitors to save their calendar events.

    Starting today, you’ll notice a refreshed look and feel for embedded calendars that is in line with Google Material Design 3 and now includes: 

    • Enhanced accessibility features, such as the ability to use an embedded calendar with a screen reader and keyboard shortcuts to navigate more easily. 
    • Improved spacing to make text easier to read. 
    • A responsive layout that adapts to different screen sizes seamlessly. 
    Screenshot of update look and feel for embedded Google Calendars on web


    Getting started 

    Screenshot of update look and feel for embedded Google Calendars on mobile

    Rollout pace

    • Rapid Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on September 17, 2024 
    • Scheduled Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on October 7, 2024 

    Availability 

    • Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts 

    Resources 

    20.
    New beta available that restricts access to folders in Google Drive
    September 16, 2024  23:40:22

    What’s changing

    If your admin has set up shared drives for their organization, shared drive managers were previously not able to restrict access to folders in shared drives. Today, we’re introducing a beta that allows shared drive managers to restrict folders to specific users within a shared drive. This provides shared drive managers with greater flexibility to keep relevant content within a single shared drive, while restricting access to shared folders with sensitive information. 

    A folder with “limited access” can only be opened by people who have been added to it directly. People with general access to the shared drive or shared folder can see the restricted folder in Drive, but will not be able to open it. 

    Eligible customers can use this form to express interest in the beta and will receive an email confirmation prior to the feature being enabled in their specified domain. 

    Limit access to a specific folder


    Who’s impacted 

    Admins and end users 


    Why it’s important 

    Folders with limited access allow users to organize files by project, in a single shared drive or shared folder, while ensuring that sensitive information is only accessible to the right team members. 


    Additional details 

    Folders with limited access are available in both shared drives and My Drive: 
    • Shared drive managers can always access folders with limited-access 
    • Folder owners can always access limited-access folders in their My Drive 

    Getting started 

    • Admins: Eligible customers can express interest in the beta here. We’ll begin accepting domains into the program in the coming weeks. Once accepted into the beta, visit the Help Center to learn more about folders with limited access. 
    • End users: 
      • As a shared drive manager or My Drive folder owner, go to your shared drive > choose the folder you want to limit access > click the overflow menu > share > select share settings in the top right corner > click limited access to “Folder Name”. Visit the Help Center to learn more about folders with limited access. 
      • For users whose access has been limited, you will see the folder name, but the folder will be grayed out: 
    For users whose access has been limited, you will see the folder name, but the folder will be grayed out:

    Availability 

    Available for Google Workspace: 
    • Business Standard, Plus 
    • Enterprise Standard, Plus 
    • Essentials Starter, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Essentials Plus 
    • Education Fundamentals, Standard, Plus, the Teaching & Learning Upgrade 
    • Nonprofits 

    Resources 

    21.
    Adding multi-monitor support to Google Slides
    September 21, 2024  16:09:33

    What’s changing 

    Starting today, we’re making it easier to view your Google Slides presentation controls on your computer while presenting to an audience using a connected external monitor or projector. 

    Multi-monitor support enables presenters to see Presentation View components, such as speaker notes and the timer, on one display, while displaying the slides presentation on an external monitor. 

    presenting on Slides using a connected external monitor


    Who’s impacted

    End users 


    Why it matters

    This updated experience helps you present with greater confidence and gives you more control when managing multiple presentation displays. 


    Getting started

    • Admins: There is no admin control for this feature. 
    • End users: You can enable this feature by using “Presentation display options”. Visit the Help Center to learn more about presenting slides with other monitors.

    Rollout pace 

    • Rapid Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on September 16, 2024 
    • Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on October 14, 2024

    Availability 

    • Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts 

    Resources 

    22.
    Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - September 13, 2024
    September 13, 2024  19:16:18

    3 New updates

    Unless otherwise indicated, the features below are available to all Google Workspace customers, and are fully launched or in the process of rolling out. Rollouts should take no more than 15 business days to complete if launching to both Rapid and Scheduled Release at the same time. If not, each stage of rollout should take no more than 15 business days to complete.



    Co-annotate from select Google Meet hardware devices
    We’re expanding annotation capabilities in Meet to include select Google Meet hardware devices. These devices can be appointed co-annotators by presenters and you can use annotation tools such as a pen, sticker and more directly from the touchscreen of the device. | Rollout to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains is complete. | Available to Google Workspace Business Starter, Standard, and Plus; Enterprise Starter, Standard, and Plus; Frontline Starter and Standard; Essentials, Enterprise Essentials, and Enterprise Essentials Plus; Education Standard, Plus, the Teaching & Learning Upgrade; Workspace Individual subscribers. | Visit the Help Center to learn more about using annotations in Google Meet.


    New advancements in Connected Sheets for Looker 
    Last year, we introduced Connected Sheets for all Looker-hosted instances, enabling users to analyze data using pivot tables, charts, formulas, and other integrated data sources. This week, we’re excited to announce the ability to directly link Connected Sheets to existing Looker queries, rather than having to start from scratch in Sheets by connecting to an Explore every time. This highly-requested feature is especially useful for Looks, a special type of query that’s been saved in the Looker UI, and whose definition can be updated over time if needed. | Rolling out now to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains. | Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. | Admins should use the Looker's Admin menu to make sure Connected Sheets for Looker is enabled. End users can visit the Help Center to learn more about using Connected Sheets in your organization.


    TeamViewer Add-on for for Google Meet now supports remote desktop 
    A TeamViewer add-on for Google Meet is now available in the Google Workspace Marketplace, allowing Meet to tap into a leading remote connectivity platform. You can now rely on Meet + TeamViewer to enable remote support (e.g., IT support desk) that's easy, secure and reliable for your business. | Rollout to Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains is complete. | Available to Google Workspace customers, Google Workspace Individual subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. | Admins can visit the Help Center to learn more about managing Marketplace apps on your allowlist or installing Marketplace apps in your domain. End users can view the TeamViewer Remote Control listing, learn more about the offering on TeamViewer’s website, and use the Help Center to learn more about using add-ons with Google Meet. 
    TeamViewer launched as a featured Meet add-on to enable remote IT support



    Previous announcements

    The announcements below were published on the Workspace Updates blog earlier this week. Please refer to the original blog posts for complete details.


    Gemini reports now include user-level usage, including app usage insights 
    We’re incorporating additional data in Gemini reports to help our customers gain a deeper understanding of Gemini usage and adoption across their organizations. Gemini reports now include user and app level Gemini usage and adoption data based on the last 28 days of usage. | Learn more about Gemini reports. 

    Access and sort shared files more easily in Google Chat conversations
    The Shared tab is now available in 1:1 direct messages and group messages, enabling easier collaboration across all conversation types. | Learn more about the shared tab in Chat. 

    Google Cloud Directory Sync now complies with your conflicting accounts management settings 
    When Google Cloud Directory Sync (GCDS) attempts to create new users, it may encounter unmanaged accounts that conflict with the accounts it’s attempting to create. In these instances, GCDS will now comply with the conflicting accounts management settings specified in the Admin console. | Learn more about Google Cloud Directory Sync. 

    Google Meet Add-ons SDK is now generally available
    The Meet Add-ons SDK is now generally available for the web, which allows developers to iframe their app into Meet, and lets meeting participants interact with the app’s content directly inside the Meet canvas. | Learn more about Meet Add-ons SDK.

    Improving the Google Workspace Marketplace app publishing experience with Drafts 
    Developers can now make changes to their app listing, save them as a draft, and send the draft version to review. | Learn more about app list drafts. 


    For a recap of announcements in the past six months, check out What’s new in Google Workspace (recent releases).  

    23.
    Improving the Google Workspace Marketplace app publishing experience with Drafts
    September 12, 2024  20:30:32

    What’s changing

    Developers can create apps for the Google Workspace Marketplace that automate tasks, integrate Google Workspace with third-party products, and enhance communication and collaboration. 

    To improve upon the publishing experience, we’re excited to announce that developers can now make changes to their app listing, save them as a draft, and send the draft version to review. This will allow developers to preview changes and share drafts with specific users to help with validation before publishing a listing. 
    Marketplace app publishing experience now includes saving as a draft

    Who’s impacted 

    Developers 


    Why you’d use it 

    This update allows developers to test and preview their Google Workspace Marketplace app listing prior to publishing, which enables feedback collection and ultimately makes updating an app listing much easier. 


    Additional details 

    While changes are under review in the draft state, the original app listing remains available on the Google Workspace Marketplace. 


    Getting started 

    Rollout pace 


    Availability 

    • Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts 

    Resources

    24.
    Google Meet Add-ons SDK is now generally available
    September 27, 2024  19:19:50

    What’s changing 

    We’re pleased to announce that beginning today, the Meet Add-ons SDK is now generally available for the web. This SDK allows developers to iframe their app into Meet, and lets meeting participants interact with the app’s content directly inside the Meet canvas. 

    Meet Add-ons SDK example with Miro

    Who’s impacted  

    Admins, end users, and developers 


    Why it matters 

    The Add-ons SDK expands Meet’s existing platform capabilities, providing the opportunity for developers to build interactive and collaborative experiences for their users in Google Meet which they can find and install from the Google Workspace Marketplace. These experiences allow for users to launch, install, and engage with the app’s content during their meetings, all without ever leaving Google Meet. Examples of already built add-ons include whiteboarding experiences with Figjam, Lucidspark and Miro; note taking experiences with Confluence and Read Notetaker; and also polling and surveying experiences via Polly.

    Add-ons can be displayed in two ways during a meeting: 
    1. The main stage allows apps to be the focal point of a meeting experience, unlocking the opportunity for add-on users to supercharge collaboration while in a meeting. 
    2. The side panel allows users to do actions such as share data, take surveys, or update records and notes while keeping the meeting and the discussion with other participants the focal point of this experience. 

    Add-ons can be displayed in two ways during a meeting: main stage or side panel

    Additional details 

    The Google Workspace Marketplace automatically respects any controls that have been configured by admins, including whether their users can download and install add-ons. Additionally, all apps on the Marketplace have been reviewed and approved by the Google Marketplace team before they’re published. 


    Getting started 

    • Admins: The availability of Google Meet Add-ons in meetings can be controlled through the Google Meet Admin Controls. Visit the Help Center to learn more about admin controls for Add-ons. 
    • Developers: Our Developer Documentation has more information about using the Meet Add-Ons SDK. 
    • End users: 
      • Visit the Help Center to learn more about using add-ons with Google Meet. 
      • Meeting hosts can control the availability of add-ons during meetings by going to Host Controls (lock icon) > Meeting Activities > Let contributors share add-on activities. Refer to this announcement on the Workspace Updates blog for more information. 

    Rollout pace 

    Availability 

    • Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts

    Resources 

    25.
    Google Cloud Directory Sync now complies with your conflicting accounts management settings
    September 10, 2024  13:06:14

    What’s changing 

    When Google Cloud Directory Sync (GCDS) attempts to create new users, it may encounter unmanaged accounts that conflict with the accounts it’s attempting to create. In these instances, GCDS will now comply with the conflicting accounts management settings specified in the Admin console. This update helps reduce the time spent migrating user accounts to business accounts, helping to accelerate the adoption of Google Workspace and Google Cloud. Visit the Help Center for specific information on how GCDS will handle conflicting accounts based on your configured settings. 

    Getting started 

    • Admins: Google Cloud Directory Sync will automatically respect your existing Admin console settings for handling conflicting unmanaged accounts. We do not recommend turning this feature off in GCDS, rather you should configure these settings as you see fit in the Admin console. Visit the Help Center to learn more about handling conflicting unmanaged accounts with Google Cloud Directory Sync, as well as unmanaged accounts in general. 
    • End users: Depending on your admin configuration: 
      • You’ll be invited to transfer your account — if accepted, your admin will have the ability to manage your account. 
      • If you do not accept the request, your admin may replace your unmanaged account with a managed one. In that case, you’ll receive a new @gmail.com address and retain your content in this unmanaged, personal Google account. 

    Rollout pace


    Availability

    • Available for all Google Workspace customers 

     Resources