U-M Google Updates

Coming Soon: Google Jamboard Demonstration | June 19th 1:00-3:00pm

5/25/2018

Google has introduced Jamboard, a new, free service at the University of Michigan. Jamboard allows for real-time collaborative whiteboarding between multiple people simultaneously, no matter where they are physically. Jamboard is composed of two components:

  • Jamboard is a G Suite service that is now available for use with mobile devices. Merely download the Jamboard app onto your iOS device or Android device, login with your University of Michigan Google G Suite account, and you’ll be on your way.
  • Jamboard Kiosks are 55-inch interactive displays that are ideal for conference rooms and collaborative spaces. These kiosks are not necessary to use the Jamboard service, but can be purchased for use in rooms where teams might convene. The kiosks are easy to use and interact seamlessly with other Jamboard kiosks or participants using the Jamboard app on mobile devices.

Jamboard is a dynamic and fun way to ensure that everyone in a meeting—including remote workers—can collaboratively use whiteboards to take notes, brainstorm, conduct meetings, and more. Whether you are using a mobile device or a Jamboard Kiosk, everyone sees the same thing at the same time. Your “Jam sessions” are also automatically saved to your G Suite account without any additional effort. The sessions also be saved as PDF or PNG documents to use however you wish.

Sound interesting? Want to learn more, try out Jamboard? A Google Jamboard trainer will be demonstrating how to use Jamboard in the Arbor Lakes Dome on June 19, 2018, from 1-3 p.m. Come and test a Jamboard Kiosk, learn about the Jamboard service, ask questions, and try it yourself!

Collaboration Services wants to know what you’d like to learn at the demonstration, and if you’ll be able to join us. Please take a few minutes to let us know about any questions or potential use cases you have in regard to Jamboard, and also to RSVP to the event.

New Gmail Will Remind You To Respond To Or Follow Up On Emails

5/25/2018

The new GMail interface has introduced a new feature that will “nudge” you to reply to emails in your account that you may have missed and to follow up on emails you’ve sent to others for which there has been no response.

Nudging is on by default with the new Gmail enabled, but you can turn it off from your Gmail settings.
 

New Updates to Google Sheets

5/17/2018

Macros in Sheets

Starting today, you can record macros in Sheets. Now, when you record a macro, Sheets automatically converts the macro actions into an Apps Script. With this feature, if you want to update your macro, you can edit the script directly instead of having to re-record the macro from scratch. You can also write your own Apps Script functions and import them as new macros.

Sheets macros are built for use in cloud-based files, which means that teams can run macros at the same time that others are working in the sheet. It also means that coworkers or clients won’t be forced to download sensitive files to use macros. Because your Sheets files are in the cloud, you can keep tighter controls over who can view and re-share your data.

More updates to Sheets

In addition to the new ways to record macros, Google has added more updates to Sheets based on frequently requested features:
Printing page breaks, custom paper sizes
More options for row and column grouping 
Checkboxes in cells 
Grouping data by time frame (week, month, or year) when creating pivot tables
Intelligent pivot tables 
 

 

Try Out the New Gmail!

5/10/2018

G Suite is introducing an all-new Gmail, with a brand new look on the web, advanced security features, Google’s suggested replies and even more integrations with other G Suite apps. They are also introducing a new way to manage work on the go with Tasks.

The U-M Google team entered the UMICH domain into the early adopter program for the new GMail. If you are curious, check out the new Gmail on the web to see what’s new and what has changed. We also encourage you to tell us about your experiences to help us prepare campus for the change. Google is still rolling out new features, some of which include:

  • Hover over unopened messages in your inbox and click an icon to archive, delete, mark as unread (or read), or snooze messages.
  • Postpone reading emails to a future date or time that's more convenient. Learn how to snooze emails.
  • Quickly reply to emails using phrases that appear based on the message you've received. Learn how to use Smart Reply.
  • You might see old emails at the top of your inbox with a suggestion to reply or follow up.
  • Change how spacious or compact you want your inbox view. In the top right, click Settings > Display density.
    Tip: If you choose Default, you'll see a preview of attachments from your inbox.
  • You can now use Google Calendar, Keep, Tasks, and Add-ons while in Gmail.

To try out the new Gmail and get comfortable with it before it becomes general availability, select Try the new University of Michigan Mail from the Settings menu. You can still switch back to the Classic University of Michigan Mail using the same Settings menu.

Note: You may need to refresh your web browser.

Let Google know what you think of the new Gmail. Click Send feedback from the Settings menu.

Learn more about the new Gmail on the G Suite Help site.

Google Drive Desktop Application Stops Working May 12

5/8/2018

As we announced in September and in February, the Google Drive desktop application will stop working on May 12, 2018. Accessing Google Drive with a web browser is not affected.

Recommended Action:

Note: MiWorkspace devices with Google Drive will receive the new Drive File Stream as part of the regular weekly updates on May 10.

  1. Uninstall Drive (standard OS uninstall)
  2. Uninstall Backup and Sync (special process)
  3. Install Drive File Stream

Reminder: To use Drive File Stream on macOS 10.13 (High Sierra):

  1. Open Drive File Stream.
  2. At the top left, go to the Apple menu and then System Preferences and then Security & Privacy.
  3. Next to "System software from developer 'Google, Inc.' was blocked from loading," click Allow.

Learn more about Drive File Stream at the G Suite Help Center.