U-M Google Updates

Final Reminder: Update for Google Drive shared links coming Sept. 13

9/9/2021

As a final reminder, 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. 

If you received an email from Google with the subject line, “Security update for Drive,” the week of July 26, please review the list of your files, provided by Google, that this update will impact. You can find more information and the steps you should take on the Update for Google Drive Shared Links FAQ.

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

U-M Google July Monthly Summary

8/26/2021

The monthly U-M Google summaries inform the university community of new Google releases and previously communicated updates.

Updates:

You can now customize your Google Keep notes on Android and iOS by choosing a background from a set of Google-designed images.

You can now blur or replace your background with an image in Google Meet on iOS. Refer to the Google Help Center to learn more about how to change your background on Google Meet.

You can now create a theme in Google Slides and add image placeholders to your layouts. Refer to the Google Help Center to learn more about inserting or deleting images and videos in Google Slides.

Animated GIF, Google Slides slide, depicts new image placeholder with a cursor taking action and adding an image of a woman.

You can now select multiple tabs in Google Sheets and perform basic actions on the selection (e.g., moving, deleting, duplicating, copying, coloring, or hiding tabs).

In Google Chat for Gmail, you can now open and edit a Slide presentation in a side-by-side view. This functionality already exists for Google Docs and Sheets. Refer to the Google Help Center to learn more about opening and editing your files in Gmail Chat rooms.

Google Chat room open in Gmail. Chat on the left and an open Google Slides presentation on the right.

Google has announced the ability to block another user in Google Drive. A blocked user will not be able to share any Drive items with you, and items owned by the user cannot be shared with you or be shown when you’re browsing Google Drive. In addition, your files will not be available to the user you’ve blocked, even if you’ve previously shared items with them. Note that you can’t block users in the U-M Google domain (i.e., with @umich.edu email addresses), and blocking a user on Drive will also block them from interacting with you on other apps and services.

  • Spelling autocorrect is now available when you write comments in Sheets, Slides, and Drawings 

Misspelled words will automatically be corrected while typing and denoted with a grey dashed underline. This feature is already available in Google Docs and other Google products.

Previously Communicated:

Reminder: Update for Google Drive shared links coming Sept. 13

8/17/2021

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. 

If you received an email from Google with the subject line, “Security update for Drive,” the week of July 26, please review the list of your files provided by Google that this update will impact. You can find more information and the steps you should take on the Update for Google Drive Shared Links FAQ.  

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

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.

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.