G Suite has recently introduced several updates, including new features for Google Groups, Drive, and Meet. In particular, these updates introduce new ways for teams to collaborate, improve file security, and communicate. Here are some of the updates worth knowing about.
Collaborative Inboxes and Shared Labels for Groups
First, G Suite has introduced two new features to make it easier for teams to work together in Gmail: Collaborative Inboxes and Shared Labels.
Collaborative Inboxes allow teams to work together on emails sent to a group address. For example, team members can view, manage, and respond to messages. They can also assign specific emails to other members of the group.
In addition, Shared Labels replace the previous categories and tags in Google Groups. Labels appear on the left side of the interface, making it easier to organize, filter, and search messages.
As a result, teams can more easily keep track of conversations and find important messages. Existing categories and tags will also automatically be moved to Labels.
Target Audiences Beta
Next, Target Audiences is a new Drive feature that gives admins more control over who users can share files with.
Previously, users had two main link-sharing options:
- Anyone in the organization could access the file.
- Anyone with the link could access the file.
With Target Audiences, however, admins can create specific groups of users who can be selected when sharing files. This gives organizations more control over file access and can help prevent files from being shared with the wrong people.
To set up Target Audiences, admins can go to:
Admin console → Directory → Target audiences
Target audiences can then be assigned at the group or organizational unit (OU) level.
Cast Google Meet to Your TV
Meanwhile, you can now cast a Google Meet meeting—or a Google Classroom session—to your TV.
To use this feature, you’ll need:
- The latest version of Google Chrome
- A Chromecast device with the latest firmware
Once everything is set up, you can start casting either before or during a meeting.
For step-by-step instructions, check out Google’s guide to casting Meet to your TV.
Read Receipts Coming to Google Chat
Finally, starting October 5, 2020, Google Chat will begin showing read receipts.
When someone opens your message, their profile picture will appear next to the last message they viewed. This makes it easier to see whether someone has viewed a message.
Read receipts will be available on:
- iOS
- Android
- Desktop
However, this feature will not apply to Chat Rooms or group messages.
Final Thoughts
Overall, these updates bring new ways for teams to collaborate, manage files, and communicate in G Suite. In addition, features such as Target Audiences give organizations more control over how information is shared.
Have questions about these updates or how they may affect your organization? Contact the HiView team, and we’ll be happy to help.
