Tag: google workspace

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Google Chat gets a makeover to better match Docs, Sheets and Gmail

Google Workspace Updates has announced that Google Chat will be getting an updated look that won’t clash with the newly redesigned interfaces of Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Gmail.

The new cosmetic changes will feature a handful of new touches based on Google’s Material Design 3 system that rolled out on the company’s other Workspace apps. The entire interface is tweaked slightly with more rounded edges on the buttons and search bar and blue accents on certain widgets.

The majority of the changes are very slight, with updates also being rolled out on the main message view, new topic button, compose setup and thread panel. If users didn’t read the press release, some might not have even noticed the difference.

Google also announced a new Chat feature that allows Space Managers to create announcement-only channels, which looks like a welcome addition for those looking to keep all the members of a team on the same page (literally.)

The update did not bring any major software changes to Chat, meaning the next time you log in, you’ll still know how everything works, it just might look a little prettier.

Header GIF credit: Google

Source: Google Workspace Via: The Verge

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Mobile Syrup

Google details several new education-focused features for Workspace users

Google has announced upcoming updates to its Workspace features for education customers during the BETT 2023 educational technology exhibition.

The updates include new features for Google Docs, Slides, Classroom, and Meet, with the aim of providing teachers and students with more tools for collaboration and engagement.

One of the most useful updates for teachers on the Education Plus tier is the ability to use custom building blocks in Google Docs. Accessed via the @-menu, teachers can now create and save templates for lesson plans and curriculum guides. This feature will be rolling out gradually over the coming months. Another new feature coming to Google Docs is @voting chips, which will likely allow teachers and students to provide instant feedback during lessons. Meanwhile, @stopwatch and @timer are now available for teachers and students to use within Google Docs.

In Google Slides, co-presenting with multiple participants will soon be possible, with all parties being able to advance and start the video, whereas Google Meet recordings will support closed captions in multiple languages by later this year. “We’re also working on updates to Slides and Meet, adding co-presenting in Slides and AI-powered hand raise gesture detection in Meet, coming later this year,” wrote Google in a blog post. The hand raise gesture feature in Google Meet will automatically turn on the Raised Hand icon when a user physically raises their hand.

Lastly, Google Classroom users on the Teaching and Learning Upgrade and Education Plus tiers can look forward to new features like the ability to add questions to YouTube videos and receive real-time feedback, the option to sort grades and assignments by quarters/semesters/terms, and practice sets that offer targeted hints based on selected skills.

Image credit: Google

Source: Google Via: 9to5Google

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Mobile Syrup

Google rolls out client-side encryption to some Gmail users in beta

Google is expanding client-side encryption (CSE) to Gmail on the web.

The feature allows sensitive data in emails, including attachments, to be unreadable by Google servers.

CSE is currently available in beta to customers using Google Workspace Enterprise Plus, Education Plus, and Education Standard.

For admin, the feature is off by default. Go to Admin console > Security > Access and data control > Client-side encryption to enable. End users can add CSE to messages by clicking the lock icon located in the recipients’ search bar.

Google Drive, Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, Google Meet already have access to CSE. The feature is currently in beta on Google Calendar.

Eligible parties can apply to use the feature by January 20th, 2023.

Source: Google Via: Android Police

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Google delays signup date for G Suite users wanting to keep their account

Detroit, MI – December 2019: Sign on the Google building in downtown Detroit. Google office in Michigan

Google has pushed the payment deadline for G Suite users who want to continue using the service.

According to 9T05Google, Google previously said users have until May 1st to select a new plan. Billing would begin July 1st. A post under its Workspace help section has moved these dates slightly.

Users now have until June 1st to upgrade their plans. Billing will start on August 1st for those who choose to use the flexible payment plan. The company rebranded G Suite to Google Workspace in October 2020.

Google’s original announcement also detailed a no-cost option for those who still wanted a Gmail address. Users have to join a waitlist which the company will soon introduce.

“Those on the waiting list will remain on the G Suite legacy free edition until the no-cost option is available,” the post says. The company will share more details when the option becomes available.

Google will automatically upgrade those who don’t pick an option.

Image credit: Shutterstock

Source: Google