Google Workspace Update: August 2024

Google Workspace Update Summary - August 2024

The summary of essential information about new features and improvements for Google Workspace customers in August 2024

Gmail

⭐ Refine emails faster with updates to Help me write in Gmail

Google has introduced new Gemini updates in Gmail to help users draft emails more efficiently. These updates include a new "Polish" option for the "Help me write" feature, available on both web and mobile. Additionally, there are now shortcuts for "Help me write" and "Refine my draft" on Android and iOS devices. When refining emails with Gemini, users can choose to Formalize, Elaborate, Shorten, or Polish their drafts. The new "Polish" option is designed to quickly transform rough notes into a formal draft with just one click, saving users time. Read more.

Availability:  Available for Google Workspace customers with these add-ons: Gemini Business and Enterprise, Gemini Education and Education Premium, Google One AI Premium 

Chat

⭐ Catch up on followed threads from the home shortcut in Google Chat

Google is introducing a new feature that allows users to follow and review threads directly from the home shortcut. Threads you've chosen to follow will appear in the home view, making it easier to catch up on conversations without searching for the space. Clicking on a thread in the home view takes you straight to the threaded conversation. Additionally, there's a "Threads" button in the home view that lets you filter to show only threads, and when combined with the "Unread" toggle, you can specifically filter for unread threads. Read more.

Availability:  Available to all Google Workspace customers and Workspace Individual Subscribers 

Meet

⭐ Picture-in-picture in Google Meet will now open automatically when switching tabs

Google Meet has enhanced its picture-in-picture feature to automatically activate when you switch tabs during a meeting. Previously, users had to manually enable this feature, but now it triggers automatically, ensuring that your meeting remains visible and accessible while you multitask, such as taking notes or viewing documents. This update simplifies multitasking during meetings, but it's important to note that picture-in-picture is only available on Google Chrome for computers. Read more.

Availability: Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts 

Sheet

⭐ Improving tables in Google Sheets

Add table rows (anywhere in a table) and columns (to the right of a table) from an easy button at the edge of a table. 

Automatically set column types when converting a range to a table.

Drag values down or across to auto-fill cells, which expands the table automatically.

Use spaces in table names, meaning you can name something “Project tracker” instead of “Project_tracker”.

Availability: Available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts. 

Gemini

⭐ Upload additional types of documents to Gemini (gemini.google.com) for insights and analysis

Gemini now allows you to upload various file types from Google Drive or your device, including text files (e.g., TXT, DOC, PDF, Google Docs) and data files (e.g., XLS, CSV, Google Sheets). Gemini uses these files to analyze content, offering benefits like summarizing complex topics, identifying trends, and providing writing and organization recommendations. Uploading documents also helps Gemini deliver more personalized and relevant responses. Read more.

Availability:  Available for Google Workspace users with a Gemini Business, Enterprise, Education or Education Premium license

⭐ Customize Gemini (gemini.google.com) for your specific needs with Gems

Gemini.google.com helps you speed up tasks, generate ideas, and more through customizable "Gems." These premade and custom-built tools allow you to efficiently gain insights, streamline copy editing, scale marketing efforts, stay updated on industry trends, and enhance learning experiences, all while minimizing repetitive prompts. Read more.

Availability:  Available for Google Workspace customers with these add-ons: Gemini Business, Enterprise, Education, Education Premium

Source: https://workspaceupdates.googleblog.com