Google has released a few important updates for Google Apps for May. Below is a digest of some key updates and information to efficiently and effectively manage your GAFE domain.
Google + Collections
In May 2015 Google+ Collections was released to provide an easy way for people using Google+ to organize their focus areas and interest. This will be great way to easily access all relevant & related posts in one location
What Admins Should Do Now:
Relay information to users if necessary.
New Google Classroom Mobile App Features
With this update, teachers can now:
- Create and edit assignments on the go, make copies of attachments, and attach new photos to assignments.
- Grade assignments from their phones or tablets, and add private comments for students.
- Snap pictures to create assignments, so whiteboard photos and class notes can be posted to the stream for students who are absent and/or assigned to the class for a deeper dive.
What Admin Should Do Now:
Relay information to users if necessary.
Changes to Drive Folder and Page URL Structure
To improve overall performance, Google is moving from using hash marks (#) to using the HTML5 History API in Google Drive. This means that moving forward, Google Drive folder and page URLs will no longer include hash marks. Learn more here.
What Admin Should Do Now:
Relay information to users if necessary.
Updates for Google Drive, Docs, Slides Apps
New versions of the Google Drive, Docs and Slides mobile apps are now available with new features.
Google Drive (Android only)
- PDF Viewer enhancement: see completed form data
- Performance and interface improvements
Google Docs (Android & IOS )
- Insert images
- Google Slides (Android & IOS)
- Insert, crop and mask images
- Insert and manipulate tables
All improvements to Docs and Slides will remain available when you’re offline. You’ll just need the updated mobile apps.
What Admin Should Do Now:
Relay information to users if necessary.
Expanding the Inbox by Gmail early adopter program for work
Inbox by Gmail is now open to all consumers, no invitation required. Google also announced several new features for Inbox like undo send and signatures.
In addition, while Google is still in the early stages of bringing Inbox to work, they’ve expanded the Inbox early adopter program (announced earlier this year) so any Google Apps for Work customer who wants to join can do so.
What Admin Should Do Now:
Right now Inbox is available to Google Apps for Work customers through an early adopter program. Any Google Apps for Work customer who wants to join can enable Inbox from the Admin console. For Google Apps for Education or Google Apps for Government customers however, Inbox is still not available.
