Google Workspace Updates

Updates regarding the transition from spaces organized by topic to in-line threading in Google Chat

Thursday, September 28, 2023

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.

On September 30, 2023, we will begin taking the next step 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. We’d like to share more information regarding the migration, what to expect, as well as what’s next for Google Chat.

Who’s impacted Admins and end users

Why it’s important

Whether it’s a 1:1 conversation or a space, Google Chat plays a critical role in collaborating and communicating. Our goal is to continue evolving Chat to best serve our users and keep teams productive and connected.

As such, we’ve heard from our customers that the way conversations were structured in spaces could be improved. Specifically, users found topic-based conversations to be restrictive and tricky to navigate. With topic-based conversations users would struggle to keep track of individual topics as new replies were added, and often find themselves scrolling back through threads to locate relevant topics.. Over time, topic threads have become noisier and more complex for many users.

What became clear was the need for a continuous conversation flow. In-line threading allows users to reply to any message and create a discussion separate from the main conversation and users have reported a much higher satisfaction rate as compared to topic-based spaces. 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.

What to expect during the upgrade period

Beginning September 30, 2023 we will begin upgrading conversations grouped by topic to in-line threading. We anticipate this change to be completed by March 2024.

In order to minimize disruptions on day-to-day work, we will do our best to initiate upgrades during off-peak times on weekends. Should you be using Chat during these upgrades, spaces that are being upgraded will be inaccessible for a few minutes. Admins can use this form to specify a specific month and whether they prefer the upgrade to take place on weekdays or weekends. Please note this will be on a best effort basis and this form must be submitted by October 15, 2023. Based on the preference selected by a customer, we’ll choose one of the upgrade windows on a weekday or a weekend in the selected month and upgrade all the eligible spaces during off-peak hours.

Prior to the upgrade

A minimum of two weeks prior to the upgrade taking place, a banner will be displayed in impacted spaces notifying users about the impending change. Users will be able to click through to the Help Center for more information.

During the upgrade

As mentioned above, we plan to execute these changes during off-peak times to help minimize disruption. If you’re using an impacted space when the upgrade commences, most functions such as sending and receiving messages will be inaccessible. Typically, this will only last for a few minutes, after which users simply need to refresh the browser tab to access and use the newly upgraded space. Other direct messages, group conversations and in-line threaded spaces will not be impacted and will remain accessible during the upgrade

After the upgrade

Once the upgrade is complete, the space will use the in-line threaded model. 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 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 new ways to work with threads

To further elevate the in-line threading experience, we’ll be introducing several new features during the remainder of the year and into 2024. Here’s a preview of some of those features — be sure to subscribe to the Workspace Updates blog for the latest updates on availability. Meanwhile, please refer to this post for even more features coming to Google Chat.

Resizable threads panel

You’ll be able to easily resize the threads sidebar to best suit your screen size or increase the focus on threads most important to you.

Home shortcut

“Home” is the place to manage and catch up on your Chat messages. Messages from your followed threads will be shown in Home. You can also filter to only see your followed threads and unread conversations. You’ll be able to open a conversation or reply from the Home view.

Select "Home" from the sidebar.

You can choose to get notified for all messages, and automatically follow all threads within a space ensuring you don’t miss any updates.

Thread participants

You will be able to see avatars of users that have replied to a thread to get better context and decide whether the thread is relevant to you.

Getting started

Admins:

If you want to request the upgrade in a specific month, please fill this form by October 15, 2023 (this is on a best effort basis).
You can find more details about the upgrade including FAQs here. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your Google contact.

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.

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

The next phase of digital whiteboarding for Google Workspace

Thursday, September 28, 2023

What’s changing In late 2024, we will wind down the Jamboard whiteboarding app as well as continue with the previously planned end of support for Google Jamboard devices. For those who are impacted by this change, we are committed to help you transition:

We are integrating whiteboard tools such as FigJam, Lucidspark, and Miro across Google Workspace so you can include them when collaborating in Meet, sharing content in Drive, or scheduling in Calendar.
Further, we’re bringing these whiteboard solutions to the Series One Board 65 and Desk 27 devices by Avocor, so you can visually collaborate using a physical device and stylus.
We will provide a retention and migration path for Jamboard data so you don’t lose any of the collaborative work that’s been created within your organization.

Admins of impacted Google Workspace customers will receive more detailed information and instructions via email. We’ll continue to provide reminders here on the Updates Blog throughout this process as well.

Who’s impacted

Admins and end users

Why it’s important

We’re committed to partnering with industry-leading companies to bring the most innovative collaboration experiences to Google Workspace. We’ve heard from our customers that whiteboarding tools like FigJam by Figma, Lucidspark by Lucid Software, and the visual workspace Miro help their teams work better together — specifically, the advanced features they offer such as infinite canvas, use case templates, voting, and more. Based on this feedback, we’ve decided to leverage our partner ecosystem for whiteboarding in Workspace and focus our efforts on core content collaboration across Docs, Sheets, and Slides.

Whiteboarding capabilities in the conference room or classroom

Earlier this year, our partner, Avocor, delivered two next-generation video conferencing and whiteboarding devices, the Series One Board 65 and Desk 27, to succeed the original Jamboard device. With built-in Google AI features, studio-grade audio, and seamless video conferencing through Google Meet, these devices are designed for immersive team collaboration.

Today, we’re announcing that FigJam, Lucidspark, and Miro will create integrations for these devices, with expected delivery at the end of 2023 and early 2024 — we’ll keep you posted on the availability here on the Workspace Updates blog. Soon you’ll not only have a choice of three robust third-party whiteboarding experiences inside a Meet call, you’ll also have new options to use them outside a call as standalone whiteboarding tools on the Board 65 and Desk 27.

Transition timeline

Jamboard device:

All Jamboard device license subscriptions (including education licenses) will end on September 30, 2024. If you have an upcoming 12-month subscription renewal, you will have the ability to renew your license subscription for a term that will end on September 30, 2024, at a prorated cost.
If you need to back up any Jamboard device event logs from the Admin console, please do so before September 30, 2024. After this date, you will no longer be able to manage Jamboards from the Admin console and we will begin to delete device event log data.
October 1, 2024, the 55-inch Jamboard device will reach its Auto Update Expiration (AUE) and will no longer receive security and feature updates or customer support from Google Workspace. At this time, we will also remove Jamboard device management from the Admin console, leaving the device with limited functionality. Our FAQ page contains details on how you can continue to use your 55-inch Jamboard device beyond its AUE date.
Those looking for an alternative to the 55-inch Jamboard device can upgrade to the Google Meet Series One Board 65 and Desk 27 devices by Avocor. Both devices will have integrations with our partners’ whiteboarding software to replace the Jamboard app. We will follow up as we approach the AUE date with reminders and updates.

Jamboard app

Starting October 1, 2024, you’ll no longer be able to create new or edit existing Jams on any platform, including the web, iOS, and Android.
Between October 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024, the app will be placed in “view-only” mode, during which time you will still be able to backup your Jam files. Learn more.
On December 31, 2024, we will wind down the Jamboard application, meaning your users will no longer be able to access their Jam files and Jam files will be permanently deleted. In the coming months, we’ll provide Jamboard app users and admins clear paths to retain their Jamboard data or migrate it to FigJam, Lucidspark, and Miro within just a few clicks, well before the Jamboard app winds down in late 2024. Review how you can generate a list of your Jamboard active users. Also, have your users download their Jam files

Additional details

We also understand the unique needs of educational institutions, so we’ve worked with Figjam by Figma, Lucidspark by Lucid software, and the visual workspace Miro to provide whiteboarding capabilities that cater to students and educators, whether they’re in primary school, secondary school, or higher education. To learn more about each offering, see which is best for your educational institution, and get guidance and resources for using these tools, please visit the Help Center. We will also work directly with educational institutions to compensate them for their Jamboard devices.