5 Important Google Workspace Updates (new & noteworthy!)

Hey there!

Matrix Connexion is coming with these short blogs featuring the latest updates of Google Workspace so you don’t have to go through bulky articles to find out the main points. Stay tuned for more!

1.  Autosave your progress when you respond to forms and quizzes 

What’s changing:

When giving a response to a Google Form or Quiz assignment in Google Workspace Classroom, your progress will be automatically saved as a draft for 30 days from the date of your last edit, or until your submission is complete.

Why it matters:

This feature is highly recommended when you don’t wish to start over if:

• You can’t complete a form/quiz in one sitting
• You have to switch between multiple devices to fill in the form/quiz
• You have low internet connectivity

Getting started:

• For form owners and editors: This feature will be ON by default. To disable this feature, in Google Forms, go to Settings > Presentation > Restrictions and select “Disable autosave for all respondents”.
• For form responders: Your draft responses will automatically be saved when logged in to your Google account.

Availability:

• Available to all Google Workspace customers (Basic & Business), and users with personal Google accounts.

2. Updated Emoji experience in Google Chat

What’s changing:

With the availability of emojis, it’s now easier to express yourself authentically in Google Chat. A better emoji experience is made available in Chat on the web as well as on mobile devices.

Getting started: 

This feature will be ON by default and cannot be disabled by users.

Availability:

Available to all Google Workspace customers (Basic & Business).

3. Open Office editing from shared links directly

What’s changing: 

Previously, MS Office files would open in a preview mode first. Now, When you create links to shared MS Office files stored in Drive, they will be opened directly in Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides. This creates a streamlined experience that allows you to begin editing and collaborating faster.

Getting started:

This change will take place automatically when opening compatible Office files from shared links on the web.

Availability:

Available to all Google Workspace customers (Basic & Business).

4. Smart Compose in comments for Google Slides, Sheets and Drawings

What’s changing: 

Smart Compose in Google Docs is a feature that helps you compose quality content faster and easier. Not only does it save your time on repetitive writing, it also reduces the change of spelling and grammatical errors while suggesting the relevant contextual phrases when you write. Now the same function is extended to Google Slides, Sheets and Drawings.

Getting started:

• For admins, this feature can be managed via Apps > Google Workspace > Drive and Docs > Feature and Applications > Smart Compose.
• For end users, this feature will be ON by default and can be easily disabled by going to Tools > Preference and unchecking “Show Smart Compose Suggestions”.

Availability:

Available to all Google Workspace customers (Essentials, Business Starter, Business Standard, Frontline, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Education Fundamentals, Education Plus, Nonprofit, Cloud Identity Free, Cloud Identity Premium)

5. Search within a folder in Google Drive (iOS)

What’s changing: 

Now, you can search for content within a specific folder in Google Drive on iOS. Simply navigate to the folder that you want to search and select the search bar. Then, you will see a list of suggested folders, documents, and users to refine your search results. Select the folder chip before typing your search query. 

Getting started:

You will need to upgrade your Google Drive iOS app to version 4.2021.28202 or newer.

Availability:

Available to all Google Workspace customers (Basic & Business).

Interested to see more articles like this? Check out: Online Learning with Google Meet