U-M Google Updates

Make the switch from Backup and Sync to Google Drive for desktop

8/10/2021

Google has announced their timeline for transitioning users from Backup and Sync to Google Drive for desktop (formerly Google Drive File Stream). Drive for desktop allows you to sync local folders to Google Drive, sync files between your computer and the cloud, and upload files to Google Drive from external devices.

According to Google, the changes began on July 19, 2021, with the release of a setup wizard to help you transition to Drive for desktop. ITS recommends completing this transition by August 18. If you haven’t transitioned by then, you will receive in-app notifications prompting you to transition to Drive for desktop until you do so. Backup and Sync will no longer be available as of October 1.

Screenshot of Google Drive, text says "Google Drive for desktop is replacing Backup and Sync".

For additional information on this change, refer to Backup and Sync to Google Drive for desktop transition.

Follow-up: Update for Google Drive shared links

7/27/2021

Google notified many U-M Google users on Monday, July 26, about an update that will make file sharing even more secure. ITS is aware of the communication and is following up with the university community about the update.

On September 13, 2021, Google will apply an update to Google Drive that will change the links used to share some non-Google files (e.g., Word, Excel, PDF) created before November 2017. Built-in Google file types such as Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms will not be impacted.

Access to the impacted files won’t change for people who have already viewed them or have direct access, but the update may cause owners of affected files to receive some new file access requests. Google has provided a link to view a list of files that the update will impact in their email to affected users.

If you received the email notification from Google on Monday, please refer to Update for Google Drive Shared Links FAQ for more information on who is impacted, what impact this will have on you, and what steps you should take. 

Note: ITS does not recommend removing this update, even for files posted publicly.

 "Security update will be applied to Drive" email screenshot

Indicate whether you’ll join a meeting virtually or in-person on Google Calendar

7/27/2021

Google has announced they will be adding new RSVP options for Google Calendar event invitations. With this update, you can indicate how you plan to join a meeting if you are attending: “In a meeting room” or “Joining virtually.” This will allow both the organizer and guests to see how attendees are planning to join the meeting in the event details. As the university continues to rethink how we work, this feature will help attendees know what to expect when joining a meeting and prepare accordingly.

Note that if you select the new RSVP options, the new join method details (e.g., “joining virtually”) are not shared with contacts on other platforms, such as Microsoft Outlook. In addition, the new RSVP options will initially only be available on Google Calendar and will be coming to calendar invitations in Gmail soon. Refer to Respond to event invitations for more information.

 "Yes," "Yes, in a meeting room," and "Yes, joining virtually."

According to Google, this feature began rolling out to U-M Google on July 22, 2021 and could take 15 days or longer to become fully visible.

Update for Google Drive shared links coming soon

7/22/2021

Beginning next week, Google is expected to email many U-M Google users about an update that will make file sharing even more secure. ITS is aware of the communication and is proactively alerting the university community about the update.

On September 13, 2021, Google will apply an update to Google Drive that will change the links used to share some non-Google files (e.g., Word, Excel, PDF) created before November 2017. Built-in Google file types such as Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms will not be impacted by this update.

Access to the impacted files won’t change for people who have already viewed them or who have direct access, but the update may cause owners of affected files to receive some new file access requests. Google will provide a link to view a list of files that will be impacted by the update in their email to affected users next week.

Refer to Update for Google Drive Shared Links FAQ for more information on who is impacted, what impact this will have on you, and what steps you should take.

 "Security update will be applied to Drive"

U-M Google June Monthly Summary

7/21/2021

The monthly U-M Google Summaries inform the university community of Google releases.

Updates:

Google has added three additional performance notifications and recommendations to help you troubleshoot issues and improve your Google Meet call quality:

  • Gentle notifications - When Meet detects a performance issue that is impacting call quality, you’ll see a notification bubble describing the issue and a red dot on the “More options” menu.
  • Tailored troubleshooting recommendations - Based on the detected performance issue, you will now see personalized suggestions on how to improve the quality of your call. 
  • Quick actions - You’ll also see one-click changes, which can quickly reduce Meet resource consumption.

Refer to Troubleshoot video and audio quality in a meeting for more information.

You can now blur or replace your background with an image in Google Meet on Android. This feature is already available for Meet on the web.

Now in Google Sheets, you can:

  • Review comments and conversation threads in the sidebar.
  • Apply filters to find the most relevant comments.
  • Page through comment threads in a document in the comment overlay.

Refer to Use comments & action items for more information.

You can now customize the color of folders in shared drives and shortcuts to folders. Previously, it was only possible to customize the color of folders in My Drive.

Google Drive shared drive page, folder drop-down menu is visible, cursor hovers over "Change color" option which shows available colors to choose from.

In Google Meet on the web, you can now replace your background with a video. At the moment, you can only select from three Google-made videos, with more options available soon.

You can now search Google Chat content faster by using filters on mobile. These features are available now on Android. According to Google, they will be available on iOS and the web by the end of July 2021.

Google has made two visual updates to the Gmail search box: An updated advanced search button and new hint text in the search box.

Gmail inbox webpage, red box around the new advanced search icon in the search bar at the top of the image.

 

Google has improved the hand raise feature in Meet so that it is easier to notice and address raised hands. Specifically, you may notice:

  • An updated and improved visual icon and animation on the video tile.
  • The tiles of people with raised hands may be moved to be more visible in the video grid.
  • An audio notification for all participants when the first raised hand is raised.
  • A clickable notification that shows the number of raised hands and which links to an ordered queue of all participants with raised hands.
  • A participant’s hand will be automatically lowered after they speak.

Animated GIF, static image of man smiling, in the lower left corner, a hand icon appears, waves, and displays the user's name before disappearing.

Refer to Raise your hand in Google Meet for more information.

Now when you get a photo attachment in a Gmail message, you can save it directly to Google Photos with a new "Save to Photos" button located next to the “Add to Drive” button. Currently, this is only available for JPEG images.

Previously Communicated: