Google Workspace Updates Weekly Recap - November 22, 2024

2 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.

Last year, we introduced full screen tasks lists for Google Calendar on web, enabling users to see all their tasks and task lists in a single full screen view. This week, we’re excited to announce that this same functionality is now available on Android devices. This update makes it easier for users to stay on top of and organize their tasks, especially while on-the-go. | 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 Google Tasks.

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.

Easily respond to comments and access requests without leaving Google Chat with the auto-installed Google Drive Chat app 

Starting this week, the previously introduced Google Drive Chat app will be automatically installed and send you notifications about recent activity in Google Drive documents, such as new comments and share requests. | Learn more about the auto-installed Google Drive Chat app.

Table reference improvements in Google Sheets

This week, we introduced updates to table references that enhance discoverability and usability. | Learn more about table references in Sheets.

Educators can now request access to third-party apps for their students 

We’ve introduced a new workflow that allows educators to request access to unconfigured third-party apps on behalf of their students. | Learn more about requesting access to third-party apps for students.

Automatic framing is now available to everyone in Google Meet video calls, plus an improved experience when using virtual backgrounds 

We’re expanding automatic framing to all users, as well as introducing an improved experience while using a virtual background. | Learn more about automatic framing in Meet.

Add multiple multimedia files to a single message in Google Chat 

Users can now upload and send up to 20 multimedia files (photos and videos) in one Chat message. | Learn more about sending multimedia files in Chat.

More ways to get started quickly with building blocks in Google Docs 

This week, we introduced a new collection of building blocks designed to help you manage important business workflows in Docs, including team task management, project tracking, hiring, and more. | Learn more about new building blocks in Google Docs.

New file picker method for pre-selecting Google Drive files coming soon 

Today, Google Drive developers rely on the drive.file scope and the Google Picker API to optimize user experience and safety when creating their applications. To make it faster and easier for users to provide applications access to specific Drive files, the Google Picker API will introduce a new method to the Class view called setFileIds(fileIds) in January 2025. | Learn more about the new file picker method for pre-selecting Google Drive files.

Easily find and navigate your Google Chat conversations by organizing them into custom sections

As we continue to enhance the user experience in Google Chat over the last year, we’re excited to announce that users can now organize Chat conversations into custom sections. | Learn more about custom sections in Chat.

New Asus hardware kits for Google Meet

Asus is launching new hardware room kits certified for Google Meet that now offer daisy chain capabilities. Developed with AVer, this refreshed room kit portfolio will work in video conferencing rooms and spaces of just about any size. | Learn more about Asus hardware kits for Google Meet.

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: 

• Automatic framing is now available to everyone in Google Meet video calls, plus an improved experience when using virtual backgrounds

Scheduled Release Domains: 

• Access filter chips more easily in Google Drive search
• A smoother, more modern video player in Google Drive
• Gemini in the side panel of Google Chat is now available
• Introducing a refreshed library of high-quality Google Slides templates that elevate your presentations

Rapid and Scheduled Release Domains: 

• Preview summaries of unread conversations in the Google Chat home view with the help of Gemini (Web, Android and iOS)
• The Gemini app is now a core service with enterprise-grade data protection for more Google Workspace editions
• Data classifications labels for Gmail are now available in open beta
• Reducing noise from unfollowed threads in Google Chat (Web, Android and iOS)
• Now generally available: use Gemini in the side panel of Workspace apps in seven additional languages

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

New Asus hardware kits for Google Meet

What’s changing

Asus is launching new hardware room kits certified for Google Meet that now offer daisy chain capabilities. Developed with AVer, this refreshed room kit portfolio will work in video conferencing rooms and spaces of just about any size. After initial setup, admins can easily enroll, manage, and monitor these devices using the Google Workspace admin console. 

The kits are composed of the following components:

• Compute: We’re refreshing existing ASUS kits with a new ASUS Google Meet compute system. This new Meet compute system is slimmer and easier to deploy than previous versions, offering a longer device lifespan until September 2030. 
• Controller: Mimo Myst controller
• Audio: AVer Fone 540 speakermic (with expansion mics available for larger rooms)
• Camera:
• • AVer Cam340+ for small and medium rooms
  • AVer Cam 520 Pro3 for large rooms
  • • This device also features built-in third-party room framing, which helps ensure the room is optimally framed. You can turn on this framing from the device by selecting Control camera > Framing by Aver.

Easily find and navigate your Google Chat conversations by organizing them into custom sections

What’s changing

• Modify the size (height) of each section 
• Reorder a section in the left-hand menu based on preference by moving it up or down 
• Toggle an unread button ON (or OFF) to instantly find new messages within each section that need their attention 
• Start a new direct message or space message from the three dot menu next to the unread toggle 

In addition, users will now be able to find their Chat apps more quickly with a new dedicated Apps section. 

Who’s impacted 

Why you’d use it 

Getting started