Google Workspace remains an ever-evolving solution, staying at the cutting edge of storage collaboration technology. Keep reading to learn about recent developments to your user experience on Gmail, Drive, Chat, and Voice, as well as a valuable new feature for Admins of organizations using Active Directory.
Google Voice now supported by more Poly cloud-connected desk phones
More devices are now compatible with Google Voice! Aside from its compatibility with desktop computers and smartphones,
Google Voice now works with:
- Poly Edge B-Series IP desk phones
- Obi 300/302 Analog Adapters for older, analog equipment such as analogue phones and fax machines
- Poly Trio 8300 conference phones
To learn how to set up Voice lines on a desk phone, see this article from Google.
Categorize content with Google Drive labels
Similarly to how labels help users organize their Gmail inboxes, users can now organize their files with labels for Drive. This not only helps users more quickly and effectively locate their Drive files, but also allows Admins to configure targeted rules for each label. This will enhance content protection for organizations handling sensitive files.
Rollout has completed for this feature, and it is available to end users and Admins of all Google Workspace and G Suite editions except Workspace Business Starter, Education, Frontline, G Suite Basic, and G Suite Business.
Compare Google Workspace editions >>
See when messages have been deleted in Google Chat Spaces
By popular request, a message will now appear in place of messages that have been deleted from an unthreaded Chat Space. This will help by providing context for other members. Rollout for this feature has completed for all Workspace and G Suite editions, and you should begin to see it reflected in your Chat Spaces.
New layout option for Gmail
You may have seen a popup option when accessing Gmail reading “Try the new Gmail view.” This is because all Google Workspace users can soon try a new dashboard view for Gmail. This integrated view features your Gmail inbox, Google Meet, Google Chat, and Spaces (formerly called Chat Rooms) all in one place. This new dashboard unifies key Workspace applications while feeling more familiar to users who have experience with Microsoft Teams.
Rollout for this feature is as follows:
- February 8th, 2022: Users can opt in to test the layout, with the option to revert to the classic view in their settings.
- By the end of April 2022: Users who have not yet opted in will be automatically transitioned to the new layout, but can still revert to the classic view in their settings if desired.
- By the end of June 2022: This new layout will become the standard experience for Gmail. No option to revert back will be provided.
Directory Sync beta for fast, easy syncing
The Google Workspace team has launched a new beta: Directory Sync. This will allow you to quickly and easily sync your Active Directory user and group data to your Google Cloud directory. This is an alternative to Google Cloud Directory Sync (GCDS), and is a great option if you want to complete syncing via an entirely cloud-based solution. There will be no need to manage on-premise hardware.
This beta will be available to all Workspace and G Suite customers by February 15th, 2022. No signup is required to participate. To use this feature, simply navigate to Admin console > Home > Directory > Directory Sync. Learn more about the feature in this article.
As always, we at HiView are here to help if you have any questions about these updates. We strive to be your Google Cloud Premier Partner of choice through design, implementation, and beyond. Contact us using the form below for licenses, support, and professional services for everything Google Cloud!
