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What’s changing
Earlier this year, we introduced the ability for space managers to configure spaces for sharing organizational announcements. While these announcement spaces aim to facilitate one-way controlled communication in Google Chat, we’re adding an optional in-line reply feature that will enable members of a space to respond to or discuss an announcement. 
In-line replies now available within announcement spaces in Google Chat

Getting started 
  • Admins: There is no admin control for this feature. Visit the Help Center to learn more about optimizing Chat spaces for your organization. 
  • End users: For newly created announcement spaces, the in-line reply feature is the default for all members. In existing announcement spaces, the in-line reply feature is the default for space managers only. To enable or disable this setting, space managers can go to the space menu > space settings > permissions > “Reply to messages” > select “All members” or “Space managers only”. Visit the Help Center to learn more about managing your space settings, creating an announcement space and your role as a space manager. 
Rollout pace 
Web: 
Mobile (Android & iOS): 
Availability 
  • Available to all Google Workspace customers 
Resources 
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What’s changing
Following the recent announcement of grading periods in Google Classroom, we’re introducing another feature that enables teachers to customize grading in Classroom. The new option to disable submissions after a due date allows teachers to stop accepting submissions for an assignment past the due date. 

When creating a new assignment, teachers can decide whether or not to require a strict due date. By default, the assignments tool will still allow submissions after the due date. 

This feature also allows teachers to choose to stop submissions for an assignment at any point, regardless of the strictness or presence of a due date. For example, a teacher could allow submissions for any assignment during the semester or year, but turn off submissions once the period is completed. 

We hope this highly requested feature gives teachers more control over their workflow by allowing them to set their own level of flexibility for accepting assignments. 
Disable submissions after a due date in Google Classroom
Getting started 
  • Admins: There is no admin control for this feature. 
  • End users: Visit the Help Center to learn more about creating an assignment.

Rollout pace 

Availability 
  • Available to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google Accounts 

Resources 
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What’s changing 
Google Workspace Admins can now use Directory Sync to sync users and groups from Azure Active Directory. Directory Sync is an alternative to Google Cloud Directory Sync (GCDS), which admins can use to synchronize user and group data with their Google Cloud directory without the need to manage on-prem hardware and deployments. 




Directory Sync is available in open beta, which means no beta sign-up or registration is required. Please read more about Directory Sync and its features to determine if it best suits your needs.




Additional details 
Admins can add up-to one Azure Directory connection to sync users and groups information to the Google Cloud Directory. On your Microsoft Azure Active Directory side, Global Administrator privileges are required for using this feature — this is so that full user profiles, groups, and group memberships can be “read” through in order to sync these objects into the Cloud Directory. 


Getting started 
  • Admins: 
    • To use the Directory Sync beta, go to Admin console > Home > Directory > Directory Sync. No beta sign up or registration is required. 
    • You can delegate the ability to manage Active Directory with the new Directory Sync admin user role. Use our Help Center to learn more about using the new Directory Sync. 
  • End users: No end user impact 

Rollout pace 

Availability 
  • Available to all Google Workspace customers and Cloud Identity customers
Resources
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What’s changing 
For select Google Workspace editions, admins can import sensitive, encrypted files from third-party storage using Client-side encryption and the Google Drive API, preserving the confidentiality of your data. Eligible admins can apply for beta access using this form. 


Who’s impacted 
Admins 



Why it’s important 
Currently, client-side encryption allows for additional encryption by end users within Google Workspace. However, we know it’s critical for our customers and partners to import sensitive content into Google Drive on behalf of their users. With the launch of this beta functionality, admins will be able to easily bulk import files and keep them private with client-side encryption. 


Google Workspace already uses the latest cryptographic standards to encrypt all data at rest and in transit between our facilities. Client-side encryption helps strengthen the confidentiality of your data while helping to address a broad range of data sovereignty and compliance needs. Client-side encryption is already available for Google Drive, Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, Google Meet, Google Calendar and Gmail. For more information, see our original announcement.


Getting started 
  • Admins: 
  • End users: There is no end user action required. 

Rollout pace 
  • We will be accepting beta applications and allowlisting customers over the next several weeks. 

Availability 
  • Available to Google Workspace Enterprise Plus, Education Standard, and Education Plus customers 

Resources 
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Update

[September, 8, 2023] Rollout has completed as of September 8, 2023.
[August 17, 2023] We have paused rollout for this feature for Scheduled Release domains only while we evaluate and optimize performance. We will provide an update once rollout resumes.


What’s changing 

In addition to previous updates that give you more control over formatting in Google Docs, such as viewing non-printing characters and enhancements to content organization, we’re introducing the option to display line numbers within Docs that are set to paged mode. 

The numbers are automatically calculated next to each line in the document, and can be configurable for the entire document, a page, or a specific section. Additionally, these numbers are preserved when printing. 

This feature makes it easier for you to reference specific content positions in documents, particularly when collaborating with others on long or complex content. 
Screenshot of an example document with a number associated with each line within a Google Doc

Getting started 
  • Admins: There is no admin control for this feature. 
  • End users: After adding content in a Google Doc, select Tools > Line numbers > “Show line numbers.” From there you can modify the line numbering mode and determine what portion of the Doc you want numbers applied to. Visit the Help Center to learn more about using line numbers in Google Docs.
Rollout pace 
  • Rapid Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on July 24, 2023 
  • Scheduled Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on August 7, 2023 

Availability 
  • Available to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google Accounts 
Resources 
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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.



Including the Alt text option in the Image options sidebar of Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drawings
Currently, users add alternative text to images in Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drawings by right-clicking an image and selecting “Alt text,” which then opens a box for them to input the text. Starting this week, we’re making this feature more discoverable by adding it to the “Image options” sidebar. 
Screenshot of alt text options newly located in the image options sidebar

Reminder: delegators must re-approve contacts delegates by August 2023 
In May 2023, we announced that delegated users can manage contact labels on behalf of their delegator via contacts.google.com. As part of this update, delegators need to review existing delegates, as well as add new delegates. This must be completed by July 31, 2023 or delegates will lose access to manage contacts. Admins can also make these adjustments for users in their domain using the Admin SDK API to remove and re-add the contacts delegate privilege. | Learn more about managing contact labels. 


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.


Ability to create spaces, memberships, group chats, and more using the Google Chat API is now generally available 
Last year, we announced that developers could use the Google Chat API to programmatically create new spaces and add members to those spaces through the Google Workspace Developer Preview Program. Those features are now generally available for all Google Workspace developers. | Learn more about Google Chat API. 

AppSheet Core licenses will be included by default for more Google Workspace editions, along with a new Admin security setting 
We’re expanding AppSheet Core license access to additional Google Workspace editions and also giving Admins a new org-level setting, which controls how users are able to use their AppSheet Core licenses, including whether app data can be shared externally. | AppSheet Core licenses are already included for domain-verified Google Workspace Enterprise Plus, Enterprise Essentials Plus, and Education Plus users. AppSheet Core licenses will now be included for domain-verified Google Workspace Business Starter, Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Starter, Enterprise Standard, Frontline Starter and Standard, Nonprofits, and Education Standard customers. | Learn more about AppSheet Core licenses. 

Improved meeting room suggestions in Google Calendar 
To better optimize meeting rooms and foster greater collaboration, especially in a hybrid work environment, we’ve introduced an updated structured meeting room setting. The working location set by a user is taken into account for all room suggestions, and in cases where location data is unavailable, proposed meeting rooms will be based on frequently used rooms. | Available to Google Workspace Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Education Fundamentals, Education Plus, and Nonprofits only. | Learn more about room suggestions in Google Calendar. 

Introducing membership search and the option to add up to 50,000 members to spaces in Google Chat 
We’re increasing the number of users you can add to a space in Google Chat from 8,000 to 50,000. We’re also introducing the ability to easily search for members within a space. | Learn more about new capabilities in spaces. 

Programmatically read and write working locations for a portion of the day with the Calendar API 
Recently, we introduced the ability for users to set working locations in Calendar that indicate where they’re working for specific portions of the day. Now, we’re adding the ability to programmatically read and write working locations for specific portions of the day. This update expands on the existing reading and writing functionality announced earlier this year. | Available to Google Workspace Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Education Fundamentals, Education Plus, Education Standard, the Teaching and Learning Upgrade and Nonprofits customers only. | Learn more about the Google Calendar API.

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: 

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


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What’s changing 
Recently, we introduced the ability for users to set working locations in Calendar that indicate where they’re working for specific portions of the day. Now, we’re adding the ability to programmatically read and write working locations for specific portions of the day. This update expands on the existing reading and writing functionality announced earlier this year. 


Getting started 

Rollout pace 
  • This feature is available now for all eligible Google Workspace editions. 

Availability 
All developers can use the API, however the working location feature is only available for eligible Workspace editions: 
  • Available to Google Workspace Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Education Fundamentals, Education Plus, Education Standard, the Teaching and Learning Upgrade and Nonprofits customers 

Resources 
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What’s changing
In continuing our efforts to boost communication and collaboration for teams of all sizes in Google Workspace, we’re increasing the number of users you can add to a space in Google Chat from 8,000 to 50,000. 

This update is especially impactful for company-wide announcements, event-oriented spaces, large communities within companies, and support-related spaces. 

We hope this feature not only helps increase connectivity and sense of belonging but also creates broader and more thriving communities within your organizations. 

50,000 members to spaces in Google Chat

Additionally, we are introducing the ability to easily search for members within a space. If a member is present, you can change their role and if a member is not present, you can add the member to the space. 

membership search spaces in chat

Getting started 
Rollout pace 
Large spaces: 
Member search — Web: 
Member Search — Mobile: 
  • Android: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on August 7, 2023 
  • iOS: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on September 4, 2023
Availability 
  • Available to all Google Workspace customers 
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What’s changing 
Previously, there were two different room suggestion types based on a company’s Google Calendar settings. The first option lists frequently used rooms for you to pick from, while the second uses the structured meeting rooms feature to suggest rooms based on meeting attendees' self-selected working location. Note that structured meeting rooms refer to rooms that are assigned to specific buildings, with meeting hardware and capacity information. Use this article in our Help Center to learn more about structured meeting rooms. 


To better optimize meeting rooms and foster greater collaboration, especially in a hybrid work environment, we’re combining the two options in an updated structured meeting room setting. The working location set by a user is taken into account for all room suggestions, and in cases where location data is unavailable, proposed meeting rooms will be based on frequently used rooms. 

Improved meeting room suggestions in Google Calendar

Who’s impacted 
End users 


Why it matters 

This update manages meeting rooms more efficiently by taking planned working locations into account. As a result, meeting rooms are only allocated for those who are most likely to need them. 


Additional details 

Google Calendar suggests rooms by taking the following into account: 
  • The main office building set by an admin or end user 
  • The working location set by the user
  • The user's response to an event:
    • Responding "Yes, virtually" or "No" suggests the user does not need a room 
    • Responding "Yes, in a meeting room" suggests the user needs a room 

Getting started 

Rollout pace 

Availability 
  • Available to Google Workspace Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Education Fundamentals, Education Plus, and Nonprofits 

Resources 
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What’s changing 
To bring the power of AppSheet to more users, AppSheet Core licenses will now be included for the following Google Workspace editions: 
  • Business Starter, Standard, and Plus 
  • Enterprise Starter and Standard 
  • Frontline Starter and Standard 
  • Non-profits 
  • Education Standard 


Note that AppSheet Core licenses are already included for domain-verified Google Workspace Enterprise Plus, Enterprise Essentials Plus, and Education Plus users. Your Google Workspace instance must be domain-verified to enjoy this feature. 


Along with expanding access, we’re giving Admins a new org-level setting, which controls how users are able to use their AppSheet Core licenses, including whether app data can be shared externally. See below for more information. 


Who’s impacted 
Admins and end users


Why it matters
AppSheet allows users to maximize Google Workspace by building custom applications on top of Google Workspace and other services in their environment, all without writing any code. For example, you can build apps that record facility inspections, document inventory, or manage approvals. 


You can take advantage of AppSheet features and integrations such as:
  • Creating AppSheet-powered no-code Chat apps for Google Workspace.
  • AppSheet databases make it easy for you to organize and manage the data that power your apps directly inside AppSheet. See our Developer Blog for more information. 
  • Building custom automations with email, chat, and push notifications that integrate into your workflows.

By including AppSheet Core licenses in more Google Workspace editions, the power of AppSheet is accessible to more users. Further, Admins will have the security features they need to ensure their users are using AppSheet appropriately in their organization. Visit our Help Center to learn more about getting started with AppSheet as well as our online community to collaborate with other AppSheet Creators.


Additional details
Admins can use the new “Core License Security Setting” in the Google Workspace Admin Console to control features related to whether app data can be shared externally. The setting will apply to the following functions for Google Workspace users using AppSheet Core:
  • Sharing with external app users
  • Connecting to external app data
  • Automation emails to external recipients
  • Using external AppSheet apps
The setting applies to all AppSheet Core apps in your domain — for more granular governance, AppSheet Enterprise licenses are required.



  • For Admins with existing AppSheet usage, this setting will be OFF by default to ensure no existing apps are disrupted.
  • For Admins without existing AppSheet usage, the setting will be ON by default.


You’ll begin seeing the new setting in the coming weeks, see the "Rollout" section below for more details.


Getting started
Admins

  • If you’re currently paying for AppSheet Core licenses, they will have to be canceled manually. Impacted customers will receive a notification via email in the coming weeks with more information and next steps.
  • Before changing the Core License Security Setting, Admins should check with their AppSheet creators to ensure any active applications don’t rely on the features controlled by the Core License Security Setting. Admins can get a basic understanding of which users are using AppSheet by running a User Report in the Google Workspace Admin Console.

Partners 

End users 
Rollout pace

Availability
  • AppSheet Core licenses are already included for domain-verified Google Workspace Enterprise Plus, Enterprise Essentials Plus, and Education Plus users.
  • AppSheet Core licenses will now be included for domain-verified Google Workspace Business Starter, Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Starter, Enterprise Standard, Frontline Starter and Standard, Nonprofits, and Education Standard customers

  • Google Workspace for Education users designated as under the age of 18 are restricted from using AppSheet with their Google Workspace for Education accounts. For more information, use this article in our Help Center about controlling access to Google services by age.


Resources

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