Google Workspace Update: May 2024

Google Workspace Update Summary - May 2024

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

Meet

⭐ Seamlessly transfer between devices during a Google Meet call

Starting today, you can seamlessly switch between devices during a Google Meet call without hanging up and rejoining. For instance, you can move a call from your mobile phone or tablet to your laptop using the new "Switch here" option, ensuring you don't miss any part of the conversation. Read more.

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

⭐ Google Meet increases support for ultra-low latency live streaming to the first 25,000 viewers

For Google Workspace editions supporting 100,000 viewers, the ultra-low latency viewing experience on Google Meet live streams has been expanded from the first 10,000 viewers to the first 25,000 viewers. Additional viewers will continue to have the standard live streaming experience. This update applies to live streams within your organization on both web and mobile. Read more.

Availability:  

Drive

⭐ Preview files in Google Drive with new hovercard feature

Google Drive now features file hovercards, which appear when you hover over a file icon on the web. These hovercards display a thumbnail and relevant information like file type, owner, and recent modification details, helping you complete tasks faster without opening multiple tabs. Read more.
Availability:  Available to all Google Workspace customers, Google Workspace Individual subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts 

⭐ Hover to preview videos in Google Drive

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

⭐ View recent shares in the Google Drive Activity page 

Google Drive's Activity page now includes recent file shares, showing who shared a file and when. This addition complements existing features like pending access requests, recent comments, and approvals, enabling you to view recent activity and take action all in one place. Read more.

Availability:  Available to all Google Workspace customers and Google Workspace Individual subscribers.

Sheet

⭐ Easily convert data to dropdown chips in Google Sheets

Google Sheets now offers a feature to quickly convert data ranges into dropdown chips in bulk. When you click on a column with various data values (e.g., project statuses like on track, paused, completed), you'll see a "Convert to dropdown chips" suggestion. Hover over the indicator to preview and convert the data to dropdown chips with one click. Read more.

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

⭐ Now generally available: Edit client-side encrypted Excel files in Google Sheets

Google Sheets is now generally available for select customers to view and edit client-side encrypted Excel (.xlsx) files. Key details include:

• Only .xlsx file types are supported, not other Excel or tabular formats.
• Maximum file size is 100MB.
• Maximum of 10 million cells can be opened.
• Some Excel features may not be displayed or editable in Google Sheets, but will remain intact and viewable in Microsoft Office.
• Users will be notified if editing in Google Sheets will cause any features to be lost or altered.
• Read more.

Availability:  Available to all Google Workspace Enterprise Plus, Google Workspace Education Standard and Plus 

AppSheet

⭐ Available in open beta: Build AppSheet automations using Google Forms

Google's AppSheet now integrates with Google Forms, allowing form submissions to trigger automations. This update enables actions such as sending notifications or approval requests via Gmail or Google Chat, and executing custom Apps Script functions. Previously, form submission data could only be accessed through email, spreadsheets, or the Forms app itself. This enhancement helps automate workflows for tasks like ticketing or incident reporting. Read more.

Available for Google Workspace: 

• Business Starter, Standard, Plus
• Enterprise Standard, Plus
• Enterprise Essentials Plus
• Education Fundamentals, Standard, Plus and the Teaching & Learning Upgrade
• Frontline Starter, Standard
• AppSheet Starter, Core, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus 
  

Source: https://workspaceupdates.googleblog.com