In today’s roundup, learn about key feature releases for Google Workspace (G Suite). These include updates to Google Meet, Chat Spaces, the Admin Console, and more. Read on to learn how to start getting even more out of your Google environment!
New feature for Companion mode in Google Meet
Google Workspace users who own Google Meet hardware or the Nest Hub Max can enjoy Companion mode. This allows more meeting participants to use interactive features including host controls, chat, screen sharing, hand raising, polls, and more.
In addition to enjoying these features, attendees using Meet hardware or Nest Hub Max can now also share their own device’s video feed with all other meeting participants. This feature is available to all Workspace and G Suite customers. For more information about Companion mode, see this article.
New privilege for Chat Space managers
In February 2022, Google announced a new “manager” role for Chat Spaces. An additional privilege has been added to this role—Chat Space managers can now delete messages sent by users in a threaded space. This is intended to help managers effectively moderate their Spaces.
To delete a message within a Space, hover over the message, click the vertical three-dot menu, and click Delete.
Search for Google Meet content in Google Drive
After a meeting, you may later need to reference one or more of the following:
- Meeting recording
- Chat transcript
- Attendance reports
- Poll results
- Q&A reports
Google has made this easier to do with the new search prefix app:”Google Meet”. When you begin your Google Drive search query with that prefix, Drive will filter for the materials listed above, helping you find what you need more quickly.
Import custom themes to new Google Sites
Google has heard the requests for more Sites features. To aid in consistent branding, users can now import a custom theme from one Google Site to another.
To use this feature, simply open your destination Site and click Themes > Custom > Import theme.
Rollout has begun for this feature and will conclude in early June 2022. This feature is available to all Google Workspace/G Suite accounts, both personal and professional.
New Google Chat API functionality
Automation fanatics rejoice—a time-saving new feature is now available to Admins in Developer Preview. Using the Google Chat API, Admins can programmatically create new Chat Spaces and add members to Spaces.
Interested Admins can apply for access via the Google Workspace Developer Preview Program.
Require email verification to book Google Calendar appointments
Salespeople, care providers, and others who frequently book Calendar appointments as part of their position can enable a new setting requiring appointment bookers to verify their email address via PIN code to schedule. This is intended to prevent fraudulent or malicious appointment bookings.
Rollout for this feature is complete. It is available to all Google Workspace customers except those using Workspace Essentials, Business Starter, or Frontline. It is not available to legacy G Suite customers. The setting is off by default and can be enabled by following these instructions.
Update to Classic Sites deprecation timeline
The deprecation timeline for Classic Sites has been extended again. Below is the updated timeline:
- On December 1st, 2022, users will no longer be able to edit existing Classic Sites in their domain. (Previously June 1st, 2022)
- On January 1st, 2023, Classic Sites will no longer be viewable unless they have been converted to new Sites. (Previously July 1st, 2022)
Admins—if there are any remaining Classic Sites on your domain, we recommend using the Classic Sites Manager to migrate multiple sites at a time. To convert a single Classic Site to a new Site, you can also use this guide.
Export log data to BigQuery in near-real time
Google Workspace logs can be exported to Google BigQuery for scalable, customized reporting. Exports take place as a daily sync, returning log data up to three days old. Now, log data streams are in near-real time (less than 10 minutes). This fresh data will help you and your fellow Admins stay up-to-date about potential security threats.
Rollout has completed for this update. It is available to all Google Workspace and G Suite users except those using personal accounts.
AppSheet add-on now available
AppSheet is used to easily create robust, beautiful applications for mobile and web that provide the straightforward UI and relevant insights competitive organizations need. Now, all Google Workspace customers can purchase AppSheet Enterprise Standard or Enterprise Plus as an add-on.
Learn more information about AppSheet here. To speak with a member of our team about purchasing AppSheet, submit a contact form below.
Questions?
Have questions about these updates? As a Google Cloud Premier Partner and authorized Google Workspace reseller, we’re here to help. Submit your contact information using the form below and we will reach out promptly.
