[Update]
August 10, 2023: We've made some adjustments to the timeline of this upgrade — see below for more information.
What’s changing
In 2022, we introduced in-line threading for Google Chat and since March 2023, all newly created spaces in Google Chat are in-line threaded by default.
As we continue to move toward a single, streamlined flow of conversation in Google Chat, all existing spaces organized by conversation topic will be upgraded to the in-line threaded experience. This upgrade will start in September 2023, and is expected to be completed by the end of Q1 2024. In the meantime, existing legacy threaded spaces will continue to function as is until the upgrade is complete.
Space organized by conversation topic
In-line threaded spaces
Ahead of the upgrade, Google Workspace admins, partners, and resellers will receive an email with more information about what to expect before the upgrade.
Who’s impacted
Admins and end users
Why it’s important
Google Chat continues to evolve to meet the needs of our users with new and agile features. In order to provide a consistent user experience and reduce complexity, all Google Chat spaces will use the in-line threading by the end of Q1 2024.
In-line threading allows users to reply to any message and create a discussion separate from the main conversation. Users can also follow specific threads, whereby they’ll receive notifications for replies and @ mentions in that thread, helping to cut through clutter and stay on top of what matters most. Additionally, users will be able to take advantage of other upcoming helpful features such as quoting messages, message linking, and more.
Additional details
Messages sent before the upgrade will be retained, and will be arranged chronologically, instead of by topic. There will also be a separator titled “Begin New Topic” to indicate every time a new topic was started.
In some cases, when people have responded on older topics, the new chronological order takes precedence. This means that messages may not appear next to the original topic, but rather according to their timestamp. When this occurs, the new response will quote the last corresponding message that it is replying to, as seen in the second image below.
You’ll also see a separator between the last message sent before the migration, and a message indicating that the space has been upgraded to a space with in-line replies. Going forward, all new messages will feature in-line threaded functionality — more information on the post-migration experience will be shared via email to admins, partners, and resellers.
Before the upgrade: conversations grouped by topic
After the space has been upgraded to in-line threading, messages sent before the upgrade will be arranged chronologically, instead of by topic.
Getting started
- Admins:
- Visit the Help Center to learn more about when to use & organize a space.
- Note: In the coming weeks, an email will be sent to admins, partners, and resellers with more information regarding the migration and its timeline.
- End users: Visit the Help Center to learn more about using spaces, how to organize a space, and managing a space with in-line threading.
You’ll see a banner in all the spaces that will be impacted by the migration as FYI before the actual migration.
Availability
- This update impacts all Google Workspace customers
Resources
Google Workspace Admin Help: Optimize Spaces for your organization
Google Help: Use Spaces in Google Workspace
Google Help: Learn when to use & organize a space
Google Help: Learn how to manage a space with in-line threading
Cloud Blog: Introducing innovations in Google Workspace to help your organization thrive in hybrid work
- Workspace Updates Blog: Hold separate conversations in Google Chat spaces with in-line threading