G Suite Updates Blog

An updated plan & resources for upcoming changes to Groups settings

March 19, 2019

What’s changing

Based on your feedback following our previous announcement, Changes to Google Groups settings starting May 6, 2019, we’re making the following changes:

Additional improvements to the Groups Settings API to help you plan for and manage the changes (see more details below).
“Post as the group” will remain a separate setting - it will not be merged as we previously stated.
“New member posts are moderated” will remain an option for moderation - it will not be deprecated as we previously stated.
“Take topics” will be merged into the content metadata settings.

To help you plan for these changes, we’re also sharing a Google Sheet which can help identify what the new settings will be for a group. In addition, we’re changing the rollout schedule so the new settings will start to take effect in Scheduled Release domains on June 3, four weeks after Rapid Release domains.

Use our Help Center to see details of these changes and see how you can prepare for the update.

Who’s impacted

Admins and end users

Why you’d use it

We hope these resources will help you better understand and prepare for the changes to Groups settings.

How to get started

Admins: See our previous announcement for background on the changes, and use our updated Help Center to see details of these changes and see how you can prepare for the update.
Developers: See our Cloud blog post for details of the API behavior changes.
End users: Support any group audits as decided by admin.

Additional details

Groups API improvements
On March 25th, 2019, we’ll be updating the Groups Settings API. These updates align the API with the product changes we’re making (outlined in our previous announcement and this post) and mean it’s easier to use the API to prepare. API updates include:

All settings that are to-be merged will be exposed via the API. This means you can audit your current groups via API, and make changes to ensure new settings are inferred as you want them to be.
New merged settings will be exposed via the API. This means you can query the new merged settings and ensure they are going to be inferred as expected. Note that It will be read-only (i.e. inferred value) until launch, at which point it will also support write.
New bit for custom roles exposed. If you use custom roles, API queries may return incorrect values. The new bit will highlight if a group uses custom roles for one of the merged settings and so will help you identify groups that require manual review.
New bit for collaborative inbox exposed. We will expose a new bit that represents whether collaborative inbox will be enabled for a group. If you expect your group to have collaborative inbox functionality (e.g. topic assignment), ensure that this bit is true. You may do this by enabling any of the collaborative inbox features. Note that it will be read-only (i.e. inferred value) until launch, at which point it will also support write.
New bit for who can discover group exposed. We will expose a new bit that represents who the group will be visible to. This setting will replace show in group directory. Note that it will be read-only (i.e. inferred value) until launch, at which point it will also support write.

See our Cloud blog post for more details on these API changes and how to use them.

“Post as the group” will not be merged into the content moderator setting
Previously we stated that this setting would be merged. However, you told us that it was valuable and we should keep it separate, so we’re updating the plans and will not merge it.

“New member posts are moderated” will continue to be supported.
The “New member posts are moderated” setting, exposed in the API as MODERATE_NEW_MEMBERS, will continue to be supported as a value for moderation.

“Take topics” will be merged with content metadata
We previously suggested that “Take topics” would remain a standalone setting. However, this will now be merged as part of the content metadata settings.

New worksheet to help visualize changes
We’ve created this Google Sheet which will show you what the new settings will be for any group if you input the current settings. This can help you check the settings will be inferred as you want them.

Helpful links

Availability

Rollout details

Rapid Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on May 6, 2019
Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on June 3, 2019

G Suite editions
Available to all G Suite editions.

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This feature will be ON by default.
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Minor updates related to the Activity Dashboard in Editors and the Admin console

March 19, 2019

Quick launch summary

We’re making two minor updates to verbiage found in the Activity Dashboard in Editors and related settings within the Admin console. As we launch more features to the Activity Dashboard, these updates will help keep things clear for both admins and end users.

In the Admin console:
In the Activity dashboard settings, where it previously read “Access to activity dashboard” on the left hand navigation, it will now read “Access to view history.”

From here, Admins can set the ability for users to access Viewers and Viewer trend activity in the dashboard to ON/OFF. To learn more about file activity visibility, see this article in the Help Center.

In Editors:
Within the Activity dashboard, the “View time” tab has been renamed to “Viewers.” From this tab, document owners can see the last time users with Edit access viewed the file and take action to follow-up. To learn more about view history in Docs, Sheets, and Slides, see this Help Center article.

We’re also changing the icon for the Viewers tab — previously it was a clock, now it will be a person. This change is to better indicate the purpose of this tab, which is viewer history, not time viewers spent in the document.

Availability

Rollout details

Rapid Release domains: Full rollout (1-3 days for feature visibility) starting on March 19, 2019.
Scheduled Release domains: Full rollout (1-3 days for feature visibility) starting on March 19, 2019.

G Suite editions

Available to all G Suite Editions.

Stay up to date with G Suite launches

Get G Suite product update alerts by email
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It’s now easier to insert images in cells in Google Sheets

March 19, 2019

What’s changing

We’ve made it simpler to add images inside of cells in Google Sheets. Previously, it was only possible to insert publicly hosted images into a cell using the IMAGE function.

Now, you can insert any image, like those saved on your desktop or mobile device, into a cell by using the IMAGE function or the new option found inside the Insert menu.

Who’s impacted

End users

Why you’d use it

You’ve told us this feature would be helpful for many tasks like:
Adding receipts to expense-tracking spreadsheets
Adding icons to icon libraries
Adding logos to better brand your resources
Adding product images to inventory lists, and more.

How to get started

Admins: No action needed.
End users: You can add images directly to cells in two ways on Desktop:

Use the IMAGE() function
Via the menu bar at the top of a Sheet: Insert > Image > Image in cell

Select image from Drive or upload one.

On Mobile:

Tap once on a cell to select
Tap again to bring up menu: Insert > Tap the “+” at the top of the screen > Image > Image in cell
Select an image from the options presented to you.

Additional details

You can have multiple cells containing an image in a Sheet, but note that only one image per cell is possible at the moment.

Images inside cells will be associated with a row and move along with the data—so, if you move rows, filter or sort them, the images will move with the content in the row, unlike previously when images would sit on top of the grid.

Using the formatting and alignment tools, you can pin the image to a specific corner of the cell or set the alignment how you’d like. By default, images will align to the bottom left corner of the cell.

Helpful links

Help Center: Add an image to a spreadsheet

Availability

Rollout details

Rapid Release domains: Gradual roll-out (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on March 19, 2019.
Scheduled Release domains: Gradual roll-out (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on March 19, 2019.

G Suite editions

Available to all G Suite Editions.

On/off by default?

This feature will be ON by default

Stay up to date with G Suite launches

Set start times and import reminders in Tasks

March 18, 2019

What’s changing

We’re adding three highly-requested features to Tasks. You can now:

Set a date and time for your tasks and receive notifications
Create repeating tasks
Import reminders into Tasks

Who’s impacted

End users

Why you’d use it

We’ve heard from you that you’d like Tasks to be the one destination to track what you need to do in G Suite. These features will help make sure all of your to-dos are in Tasks, and ensure that you can keep track of the deadlines associated with them. Additionally, importing reminders to Tasks can help your users if your organization is currently transitioning from Inbox to Gmail.

How to get started

Admins: No action needed
End users - Date/time and repeating tasks:

When you create or edit a task, you’ll now see a new “Add date/time” field.
After clicking on Add date/time, you can enter the date, time, and recurrence of this task.

End users - Import to tasks:

When you open Tasks on the web or your mobile app, you’ll see a prompt to copy your existing reminders over to Tasks. You can also trigger this manually by opening the overflow menu in the top right.
You’ll be able to select which list in Tasks you’d like to add them to, or create a new list.
You can also indicate whether or not you’d like these reminders to be deleted once they are copied.

Additional details

New time features
Every task now has two time-based properties, date and start time, that are available in the edit screen of each task.

These tasks will then show up in Google Calendar on the web at their specific time, as long as you have the “Tasks” calendar enabled on the left-hand side. If you’ve enabled mobile notifications, you'll also get notified for tasks at their scheduled dates and times in the Tasks mobile apps (Android/iOS). For tasks that have a date, but don’t have a time, you’ll get notifications at 9am local time.

If a task wasn’t marked as completed, you’ll get a second notification at 9am the day after a task was due.

Importing reminders into Tasks
This import tool will pull your reminders (from Inbox/Gmail, Calendar, or the Assistant) into Tasks.

When importing reminders into Tasks, we’ll copy over the title, date, time and recurrence of the reminder. Please note, reminders with locations associated will not be imported. Additionally, this is a one-time import and not a constant sync.

Availability

Rollout details

Rapid Release domains: Full rollout (1–3 days for feature visibility) starting on March 18, 2019
Scheduled Release domains: Full rollout (1–3 days for feature visibility) starting on March 18, 2019

G Suite editions

Available to all G Suite editions

On/off by default?

Both features will be ON by default.

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Get G Suite product update alerts by email
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Work smarter with the new Priority page in Drive

March 18, 2019

Quick launch summary

We’re launching a new Priority page in Drive as a new way to help you stay focused and get work done. This page will help you access the files you need through a combination of suggestions and workspaces. With the new Priority page, not only are the most relevant files served up to you, but you can take action on them, as well as sort them into workspaces.

We hope this makes accessing your most important files easier and helps you work more efficiently.

You can access the Priority page from the left-hand navigation panel in Drive. Some features you’ll see on the Priority page include:

Priority:

Here you’ll see the documents we think are most relevant to you right now. These machine-learning-powered suggestions are based on various signals from your activity. On each suggested document, you can also take actions in line, without navigating to the doc in question, like replying to a comment or reviewing recent edits.

Workspaces:

In Workspaces, you’ll be able to see intelligent suggestions of related content to group together for easier access— like multiple files related to the same project.
You can also create your own personalized Workspaces collecting any files you have access to, including content stored in your My Drive and various Team Drives.

Right-click on any file and select Add to Workspace to dynamically group files as you work.

If users would like to make Priority their default home page, they can do so in their settings, which is accessible via the gear icon in the upper righthand corner.

Availability

Rollout details

Rapid Release domains: Extended Rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on March 18, 2019.
Scheduled Release domains: Extended Rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on April 1, 2019.

G Suite editions

Available to G Suite Basic, G Suite Business, and G Suite Enterprise.
Coming soon for G Suite for Education, G Suite Enterprise for Education, and G Suite for Nonprofits.

On/off by default?

This feature will be ON by default.

Stay up to date with G Suite launches

Get G Suite product update alerts by email
See the G Suite launch release calendar
Subscribe to the RSS feed of these updates

View Calendar event creators to easily swap meeting rooms

March 18, 2019

Quick launch summary

You can now see the creator of a meeting when looking at a “busy” block of time on a resource or room’s schedule in the “Find a time” grid view. Simply hover over the block to see the event creator’s name (even if the event is “Private.”)

We’ve heard from you that being able to see who booked a room for a meeting is crucial in order to easily reach out to the creator to ask if they would be open to swap the room or change the meeting time.

Please note, the information such as the description and title of the event will still be hidden to ensure no sensitive information is shared.

Availability

Rollout details

G Suite editions

Available to all G Suite editions

On/off by default?

This feature will be ON by default.

Stay up to date with G Suite launches

Get G Suite product update alerts by email
See the G Suite launch release calendar
Subscribe to the RSS feed of these updates

Google Calendar automatic room suggestions available on mobile

March 18, 2019

Quick launch summary

Last year, we released automatic room suggestions in Google Calendar on the web. We’re now bringing that feature to Android and iOS devices.

This feature, using Google AI, suggests the rooms for your meetings based on the locations and preferences of the guests.

To enable this feature, structured resource information and users’ work locations are required to be set.

Availability

Rollout details

G Suite editions

Available to all G Suite editions

On/off by default?

This feature is ON by default and immediately visible when resources are structured and user locations are set.

Stay up to date with G Suite launches

Get G Suite product update alerts by email
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Disable SMS or voice codes for 2-Step Verification for more secure accounts

March 14, 2019

What’s changing

We’re adding an option for admins to disable telephony options as 2-Step Verification methods for G Suite accounts in their domain. This option will prevent their users from using SMS and voice codes for 2-factor authentication.

Who’s impacted

Admins only

Why you’d use it

There are many forms of 2-Step Verification—from text (SMS) message codes, to the Google Authenticator app, to hardware second factors like security keys. And while any second factor will greatly improve the security of your account, we’ve long advocated the use of security keys for those who want the strongest account protection.

As awareness of the potential vulnerabilities associated with SMS and voice codes has increased, some admins asked us for more control over the ability to use phone-based 2-Step Verification methods within organizations. The present release does just that - admins get a policy that can enforce the use of multi-factor authentication without permitting SMS and voice verification codes.

This new policy gives admins more control over the security methods used in their domain, and increases the security of user accounts and associated data.

How to get started

Admins: Apply the new policy by changing the setting at Admin console > Security > Advanced security settings > Allowed two step verification methods.
End users: No action needed unless admin changes configuration.

2-factor authentication options in the G Suite Admin console

Additional details

How users can configure 2-Step Verification once the policy is enforced
Users with the new policy applied will not be able to add SMS or voice based codes as an option - either when enrolling in 2-Step Verification for the first time or later at myaccount.google.com. A user enrolling in 2-Step Verification for the first time will see the screen below. This first provides an option to set up Google Prompt, as well as ‘Choose another option’ which will let them add a Security Key instead.

Avoid user sign-in issues
Users affected by the new policy who have SMS/Voice as the only 2SV method on their account will not be able to sign in. To avoid this lock-out situation, see our Help Center to get tips for how to ensure a smooth transition to an enforcement policy.

Helpful links

Availability

Rollout details

G Suite editions
Available to all G Suite editions

On/off by default?
The new policy is not enabled by default. Admin needs to explicitly choose to apply this policy on a OU / Group basis, like the other existing 2SV enforcement policies.

Stay up to date with G Suite launches

Manage Google Group members and settings more easily in the Admin console

March 13, 2019

What’s changing

We’re making it even easier to manage Google Groups through the G Suite Admin console. The new improvements include:

A new settings card: When you create a group, this card will help you quickly view and customize group settings.
A new hover menu: When viewing the list of Groups, you can use this menu to get quick access to member management and group settings.
Pop-up controls: Using pop up controls, you will be able to add members, manage members, edit settings, and delete groups without leaving the Groups list page.

These build on other recent improvements to group management in the Admin console. See below for images of these new settings and options.

Who’s impacted

Admins only

Why you’d use it

Groups can improve communication and collaboration in your organization. You can use Groups to create mailing lists, web forums, and collaborative inboxes for your team, and also to control access to documents and Google services.

However, it’s important to include the right people in each group, and apply the right settings so groups are secure. By giving admins easy-to-use controls for groups details, we hope to make it easier to share and use information.

How to get started

Admins: See our Help Center to find out more about how to use and manage groups in your organization.
End users: No action needed

New hover menu gives quick access to member management and group settings

Easily add members without leaving the list page

Quickly see and edit group settings in-line

When you create a new group, this settings card can help make sure the right settings are applied

Helpful links

Help Center (Admin): Use Groups in your organization

Availability

Rollout details

Rapid Release domains: Full rollout (1-3 days for feature visibility) starting on March 13, 2019
Scheduled Release domains: Full rollout (1-3 days for feature visibility) starting on March 13, 2019

G Suite editions
Available to all G Suite editions.

On/off by default?
This feature will be ON by default.

Stay up to date with G Suite launches

Get G Suite product update alerts by email
See the G Suite launch release calendar
Subscribe to the RSS feed of these updates

Google Drive is getting a new look on iOS and Android

March 12, 2019

What’s changing

Google Drive is getting a new look and feel on iOS and Android, making it easier to communicate and collaborate across files in Drive on mobile devices.

This Material redesign is part of a larger effort to bring the look and feel of our G Suite apps together as a whole, with ease-of-use in mind.

Some improvements you’ll see include:

New Home tab and bottom navigation

Similar to Drive on the web, the Home tab will surface the files that are most important to you, based on things like:

The last time you accessed or edited a file
Who specific files are frequently shared with
What files are used at specific times of day.

A more intuitive bottom navigation bar that features options to switch between Home, Starred, files shared with you (Shared), and all files (Files), allowing for quicker access to your most important items.

Expanded search bar

The search bar is now more accessible across the application, including from the Team Drives page.

My Drive, Team Drives and Computers in Files view

Team Drives will be now be displayed as a tab next to My Drive in the Files view. Users will also see a Computers tab if they have backed up content from a local machine to their account.

New account switching experience

The feature to switch accounts is moving from the left navigation menu to an icon in the top right.

Revised actions menu

A revised actions menu attached to every file and folder emphasizes the most frequently used actions at the top. Toggles for starred and offline are now changed to buttons.

Who’s impacted

End users

Why you’d use it

We know that mobile devices are critical to getting work done, whether it’s at our desk, in a meeting, sending an email, or collaborating. Drive is not just a way to backup files to the cloud, but a critical way to easily share work, make last minute changes to content, or review important content on the go. The Drive Mobile redesign aims to make these workflows easier.

How to get started

Admins: No action required.
End users: You’ll see the new look coming your way soon.

Additional details

iOS users will begin seeing the redesign starting on March 12, 2019. Android users will see the redesign starting on March 18, 2019.

To help your users navigate this redesign, see this change management guide or download this PDF.

Helpful links

View the change management guide for this update. Also available as a PDF.
Using Google Drive on Android
Using Google Drive on iOS

Availability

Rollout details

iOS: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) rollout starting March 12, 2019.
Android: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) rollout starting March 18, 2019.

G Suite editions
Available to all G Suite Editions.

On/off by default?
This feature will be ON by default.

Stay up to date with G Suite launches

Simultaneously present and be seen with Hangouts Meet

March 12, 2019

Quick launch summary

Now, when you present your screen in a Hangouts Meet meeting, your camera’s video feed will remain visible. This allows other meeting participants to continue to see you while you present.

Availability

Rollout details

Rapid Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on March 11, 2019
Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on March 11, 2019

G Suite editions

Available to all G Suite editions

On/off by default?

This feature will be ON by default.

Stay up to date with G Suite launches

Get G Suite product update alerts by email
See the G Suite launch release calendar
Subscribe to the RSS feed of these updates

Five new third-party applications added to G Suite pre-integrated SAML apps catalog

March 11, 2019

What’s changing

We’re adding SAML integration for five additional applications:

Clear Review
Clubhouse
Dialpad Sandbox
HubSpot
Workable

Use our Help Center to see the full list of SAML apps and find out how to configure SAML applications.

Who’s impacted

Admins only

Why you’d use it

With Single-Sign-On (SSO), users can access all of their enterprise cloud applications—including the Admin console for admins—after signing in just one time. Google supports the two most popular enterprise SSO standards, OpenID Connect and SAML, and there are already many applications with pre-integrated SSO support in our third-party apps catalog.

How to get started

Admins: You can find our full list of pre-integrated applications, as well as instructions for installing them, in the Help Center.
End users: No action needed.

Additional details

Note that apart from the pre-integrated SAML applications, G Suite also supports installing “Custom SAML Applications,” which means that admins can install any third-party application that supports SAML. The advantage of a pre-integrated app is that the installation is much easier. Use out Help Center to learn more about installing Custom SAML Applications.

Helpful links

Help Center: Using SAML to set up federated SSO
Help Center: Set up your own custom SAML applicationAvailability

Rollout details

G Suite editions
Available to all G Suite editions.

On/off by default?
This feature will be OFF by default and can be enabled at the OU level.

Stay up to date with G Suite launches

Recurring Calendar meetings will migrate to Hangouts Meet video calling

March 11, 2019

What’s changing

As part of the migration from classic Hangouts to Hangouts Meet that we announced last year, we’ll now begin migrating the video conferencing for your recurring Calendar events from classic Hangouts to Meet. Previously, we made the change so that new events scheduled in Calendar will use Meet. Now this change is to update previously scheduled events in Calendar as well.

Who’s impacted

End users

Why we’re migrating

We've built Hangouts Meet to have a fast, simple interface with enterprise grade meeting functionality such as livestreaming and meeting with up to 100 people. To ensure you get the best-in-class experience we’re migrating the remainder of your existing recurring Calendar events. This will happen gradually in an effort to limit any disruption and ensure that you can focus on what’s important: meetings where people can be as productive as they are when they’re face-to-face.

How to get started

Admins: No action needed.
End users: When you join a recurring Calendar event on classic Hangouts, you will see a banner that future occurrences of this meeting will be on Meet.

Additional details

Migrating existing Calendar events
This change will take place gradually as users join affected meetings. They will see a migration banner notifying them future occurrences will be on Meet. After the end of the call, all participants will get an updated event information with the new meeting details. Single instance (non-recurring) Calendar events will remain unchanged.

If your meeting doesn’t migrate
Some of your meetings may not automatically update to Meet. When this happens, you’ll see a banner in the video call notifying end users to update the Calendar event to Meet. This may happen for complex Calendar event setups, such as if different events have the same video link.

Helpful links

Help Center: Migration FAQs

Availability

Rollout details

G Suite editions
Available to all G Suite editions

On/off by default?
This setting will be ON by default.

Stay up to date with G Suite launches

Delete your conversation history in Hangouts Chat

March 11, 2019

Quick launch summary

You’ll now be able to delete your conversation history of 1:1 direct messages in Hangouts Chat. These deletions apply to 1:1 conversations between classic Hangouts and Hangouts Chat in both directions. Please note, you’re only deleting your copy of the conversation history. Other users will still be able to see the chat.

Availability

Rollout details

G Suite editions

Available to all G Suite Editions.

On/off by default?

This feature will be ON by default.

Stay up to date with G Suite launches

Use Vault for Gmail confidential messages and Jamboard files

March 7, 2019

What’s changing

Google Vault is adding support for two new types of content:

Who’s impacted

Admins only

Why you’d use it

Google Vault lets you retain, hold, search, and export data to support your organization’s retention and eDiscovery needs. This launch adds support for new data types so that you can comprehensively govern your organization’s data.

How to get started

Admins: Use our Help Center to find out more about retention and Google Vault.
End users: No action needed.

Additional details

Support for Gmail confidential mode emails
Gmail confidential mode lets users restrict recipients' access to sensitive email content. This feature is available to G Suite domains through our Gmail confidential Beta program.

Vault and confidential messages sent by members of your organization - Vault can hold, retain, search, and export all confidential mode messages sent by users in your organization. Messages are always available to Vault, even when the sender sets an expiration date or revokes recipients' access to confidential messages.

Here’s an example of what admin@ink-42.com will see in Vault when they search for sam@ink-42.com and preview this email sent by lisa@ink-42.com.

Vault and confidential messages received from external senders - Your users might receive confidential mode messages from external parties such as other G Suite customers and from personal Gmail accounts. You can hold, retain, search and export message headers and subjects of external confidential messages. However, you can't search or export message content or attachments from external confidential messages.

Here’s an example of what admin@ink-42.com will see in Vault when they search for sam@ink-42.com, and preview this email sent by an external domain (ben@imfl.com).

See our Help Center for more information on Vault and Gmail confidential mode. You can also see how to protect Gmail messages with confidential mode.

Support for Jamboard files (“jams”) stored in Google Drive

With this launch, you’ll be able to manage Jamboard files that have been saved to a user’s Google Drive:

Retain Jamboard data through Vault with the same retention rules that you set for Google Drive. All your retention rules set for Drive will automatically apply to jams in Drive.
Preserve Jamboard data through Drive holds.
Search for Jamboard data in Vault, alongside other Drive files, or only search Jamboard files with the “type:jam” search operator. You can also preview jams and export them.

See our Help Center for to see how to set retention rules for Drive, which will also apply to jams.

Helpful links

Availability

Rollout details

Vault support for Jamboard

Vault support for Gmail Confidential in beta is completely rolled out to all domains.

G Suite editions
Available to G Suite Business, Enterprise, and Enterprise for Education editions, as well as G Suite users with the Vault add-on license

On/off by default?
This feature will be ON.

Stay up to date with G Suite launches

Keep data secure with Gmail confidential mode (beta)

March 7, 2019

What's changing

We’re opening a beta program for Gmail confidential mode. With confidential mode, it’s easier to protect sensitive content in your emails by creating expiration dates or revoking previously sent messages, and removing options for recipients to forward, copy, print, and download.

Who’s impacted

Admins and end users

Why you’d use it

Built-in Information Rights Management (IRM) removes the option to forward, copy, download or print messages. This helps reduce the risk of confidential information being accidentally shared with the wrong people.

In addition to protecting sensitive content in your emails by creating expiration dates, you can also require additional authentication via text message to view an email. This makes it possible to protect data even if a recipient’s email account has been hijacked while the message is active.

How to get started

Admins: Gmail confidential mode Beta is available as an opt-in to all G Suite customers. Admins can opt-in to the beta by going to the Admin console and navigating to Apps > G Suite > Settings for Gmail > User settings. Here they will be able to select the option to Enable confidential mode.

End users: Once Gmail confidential mode is activated in the Admin console, users can send Gmail confidential mode emails. When they compose an email, there is a button to enable confidential mode for the email.

If users click on the button, it opens the Gmail confidential mode user settings dialog box where they can modify the settings:

Additional details

At the beta launch, Gmail confidential mode will:

Allow users to set an expiration date for messages or revoke access at any time
Disable options to forward, copy, print, and download the email body and attachments
Allow users to set SMS passcodes wherein recipients will get a passcode by text message to be able to access the email sent using confidential mode
Let users choose to remove access early before the expiration date.

Note: Although confidential mode helps prevent the recipients from accidentally sharing your email, it doesn't prevent recipients from taking screenshots or photos of your messages or attachments. Recipients who have malicious programs on their computer may still be able to copy or download your messages or attachments.

Additionally, if your users send or receive messages in Gmail confidential mode, Vault will retain, preserve, search and export confidential mode messages. The message body of received messages will be accessible in Vault only if the sender of the message is from within your organization. Learn more about how Vault works for confidential mode messages here.

Helpful links

Help Center: About Gmail confidential mode:

Availability

G Suite editions

Available to G Suite editions.

On/off by default?

This feature will be OFF by default and can be enabled by the admin via the Admin console.

Stay up to date with G Suite launches

G Suite Migrate, new first-party data transfer product, launching in beta

March 5, 2019

What’s Changing

We’re launching G Suite Migrate in beta. This new first-party product will help admins assess and plan migration projects, and confidently migrate large amounts of valuable content directly into G Suite. G Suite Migrate is built on the technology from Google Cloud’s AppBridge acquisition in 2017.

Who’s impacted

Admins only

Why you’d use it

With G Suite Migrate, you’ll be able to securely migrate large amounts of your organization's data, making the transition to G Suite even easier. Specifically, G Suite Migrate will provide assistance with:

Assessment - Quickly scan source environments to help accurately plan for key project milestones and watch points
Migration - Quickly migrate valuable data from a variety of sources (see below)
Tracking - Quickly identify project progress and health with detailed aggregate and granular logging functionality

How to get started

Admins: For more details and how to apply for the beta, see this form.
End users: No action required.

Additional details

To prevent disruption to end-user productivity, G Suite Migrate maintains a high level of fidelity for migrated content from supported sources: Exchange, SharePoint, OneDrive, and File Shares. The following versions will be supported as part of this beta:

Exchange: Exchange 2010, 2013, 2016, and Office 365.
Sharepoint: SharePoint 2010, 2013, 2016, SharePoint Online, and OneDrive for Business.
File Shares: Windows File Servers, NAS, SAN, Network Shares, and NFS repositories.

Availability

G Suite editions G Suite Business, G Suite Enterprise, G Suite Enterprise for Education, and Drive Enterprise customers are eligible to register for the G Suite Migrate beta program.
Not available to G Suite Basic, G Suite for Education, and G Suite for Nonprofits.

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Delegate App Maker admin privileges to users

March 4, 2019

What’s changing

We’re making it possible for G Suite super admins to delegate access to the App Maker projects report to other users. Among other things, this will allow appropriate employees without super admin privileges to track App Maker projects and for customers to delegate access to their reseller partners.

It's now possible for super admins to delegate access to the App Maker projects report to other users. To enable this feature, check both the App Maker > Settings checkbox and the App Maker > App Maker Projects Report checkbox.

Who’s impacted

Admins and end users.

Why you’d use it

We launched App Maker to general availability in June 2018, so teams can easily build custom apps that speed up their workflows and improve their processes. As part of that launch, we gave G Suite admins access to the App Maker projects report, which includes a list of all App Maker projects in their organization and details for each app.

We hope that this launch will make it easier to use and manage App Maker projects in your organization.

How to get started

Helpful links

Help Center: Manage App Maker in your domain

Availability

Rollout details

G Suite editions

Available to G Suite Business, G Suite Enterprise, G Suite for Education, G Suite Enterprise for Education.
Not available to G Suite Basic and G Suite for Nonprofits.

On/off by default?

This feature will be OFF by default and can be enabled at the user level.

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What's New in G Suite - February 2019

March 4, 2019

Check out the latest "What's New in G Suite" launch recap (pdf) for a roundup of all G Suite launches from February 2019.

Archive and translated versions (coming soon for February issue)

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Get G Suite product update alerts by email
See the G Suite launch release calendar
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Control access to corporate data on Chrome, Mac, and Windows devices with endpoint verification

February 28, 2019

What’s changing

We’re giving admins more control over how devices running endpoint verification can access corporate data in Google Cloud. Specifically, we’ll give admins the ability to:

This will bring similar functionality to what’s currently available for mobile device management to desktop devices using Chrome OS or Chrome browser.

Who’s impacted

Admins only

Why you’d use it

With the ability to limit G Suite access for devices that use endpoint verification, admins will now get fine-grained control over managing device access beyond just mobile devices.

Now, admins can view the inventory of devices that are access this data, and approve or block access to specific devices based any internal criteria. Examples include, lost devices, which can now be ‘blocked’ from accessing apps, or approving new users who need to access applications as their job titles shift.

How to get started

Admins:

To set a policy for whether newly registered endpoint verification devices need admin approval, go to Admin Console > Device management > Setup > Device Approvals > Device Approvals.

Check or uncheck the box to set a policy. This will default to unchecked, meaning that admins will not have to manually approve newly registered devices.
Optionally, you can also add an email that approval requests will be sent to.

Note that device access to corporate data can be configured at any time by using the Access Context Manager.

For desktop devices, Admins will have the option to select Approve or Block, which will tag the device accordingly in the Access Context Manager.

Approve or block actions on devices will generate an audit event within the Admin Console. For more information on audit logs for devices, see here.

End users: No action needed

Additional details

This launch allows you to control access for devices with endpoint verification installed. This includes Chromebooks and other desktop devices running the Google Chrome browser.

Tag newly registered endpoint verification devices as ‘Approved’ or ‘Blocked’ before setting access

When a new device is registered via Endpoint Verification, admins can turn on access restriction in the Access Context Manager. From there, they can govern device access by selecting ‘Approve’ or ‘Block’.

See image below to see how this will look in the Admin console with the feature ON.

If this policy is OFF, devices will be approved by default and can be blocked later on, for example, if a device is lost or a device is compromised.

Turn individual device access on or off

Admins can approve or remove access for devices in the Admin Console. A new view at Admin console > Device Management > Device Approvals will list all devices in a pending approval state. From this list, they can be tagged as Deviced/Approved — once devices are tagged, further access policies can be configured in the Access Context Manager.

Admins can also get email notifications for when a device is registered but needs admin approval. See our Help Center to learn how to configure email notifications.

Helpful links

Availability

Rollout details

Rapid Release domains: Full rollout (1-3 days for feature visibility) starting on Feb 28, 2019
Scheduled Release domains: Full rollout (1-3 days for feature visibility) starting on Feb 28, 2019

G Suite editions

Available to all G Suite editions.

On/off by default?

Manual device verification will be OFF by default and can be enabled at the domain and OU level.
Individual device access controls will be ON by default.

Stay up to date with G Suite launches

Get G Suite product update alerts by email
See the G Suite launch release calendar
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Updated UI for Jamboard web home page

February 27, 2019

Quick launch summary

To create an interface that’s clearer and easier to navigate, we’re updating the design of the Jamboard home page (jamboard.google.com). This builds on recent updates that made it easier to create and edits jams on the web. You may notice:

Material design updates, including updated boxes and increased white space, so you can quickly find what you’re looking for
New buttons to open jams more quickly with fewer clicks
New logos and design elements to increase consistency with other G Suite products and interfaces.

The new interface will show on the Jamboard web home page at jamboard.google.com.

The new Jamboard UI

Availability

Rollout details

G Suite editions
Available to all G Suite editions.

On/off by default?
This feature will be ON by default.

Stay up to date with G Suite launches

Accessibility settings are now easier to access on Docs, Sheets, and Slides

February 27, 2019

Quick launch summary

It’s now easier to discover accessibility features like screen reader support, braille support, and screen magnifier support in Docs, Sheets, and Slides.

While these accessibility features were previously available, they required additional steps to access the accessibility menu. This change will make these settings more readily available by placing the Accessibility settings in the Tools menu.

Access the Accessibility menu by selecting Tools > Accessibility settings.

The accessibility settings dialog showing screen reader, braille, and screen magnifier support options.

If the screen reader option is selected from the accessibility settings dialog, an Accessibility menu will be displayed at the top of Docs, Sheets, and Slides for easy access.

Availability

Rollout details

Rapid Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on February 27, 2019.
Scheduled Release domains: Full rollout (1-3 days for feature visibility) starting on March 13, 2019.

G Suite editions
Available to all G Suite editions.

On/off by default?
This feature will be ON by default.

Stay up to date with G Suite launches

Useful Links

Updates

An updated plan & resources for upcoming changes to Groups settings

Minor updates related to the Activity Dashboard in Editors and the Admin console

It’s now easier to insert images in cells in Google Sheets

Set start times and import reminders in Tasks

Work smarter with the new Priority page in Drive

View Calendar event creators to easily swap meeting rooms

Google Calendar automatic room suggestions available on mobile

Disable SMS or voice codes for 2-Step Verification for more secure accounts

Manage Google Group members and settings more easily in the Admin console

Google Drive is getting a new look on iOS and Android

Simultaneously present and be seen with Hangouts Meet

Five new third-party applications added to G Suite pre-integrated SAML apps catalog

Recurring Calendar meetings will migrate to Hangouts Meet video calling

Delete your conversation history in Hangouts Chat

Use Vault for Gmail confidential messages and Jamboard files

Keep data secure with Gmail confidential mode (beta)

G Suite Migrate, new first-party data transfer product, launching in beta

Delegate App Maker admin privileges to users

What's New in G Suite - February 2019

Control access to corporate data on Chrome, Mac, and Windows devices with endpoint verification

Updated UI for Jamboard web home page

Accessibility settings are now easier to access on Docs, Sheets, and Slides

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