Deprecated Google Calendar APIs (v1, v2) shutting down on November 17th, 2014

Deprecated Google Calendar APIs (v1, v2) shutting down on November 17th, 2014

As initially announced in November 2011, and reiterated in June of this year, the older versions (v1, v2) of the Google Calendar API will ... 07.15

As initially announced in November 2011, and reiterated in June of this year, the older versions (v1, v2) of the Google Calendar API will be shut down on November 17, 2014.

Any service dependent on v1 or v2 of the Google Calendar API will no longer work as intended. Developers should ensure any relevant services are utilizing v3 of the Google Calendar API prior to the shut down.

Note: all launches are applicable to all Google Apps editions unless otherwise noted

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Notification re: Google Talk app for Windows replacement

Notification re: Google Talk app for Windows replacement

Late last year, we announced that the Google Talk app for Windows was being retired. Soon, people using the Google Talk client for Windows w... 15.34

Late last year, we announced that the Google Talk app for Windows was being retired. Soon, people using the Google Talk client for Windows will start seeing the following notification within the application: Google Talk app for Windows is no longer supported. It is being replaced by the new Hangouts Chrome app. Install the Hangouts app from http://goo.gl/yglfk6. 

Please note, the Hangouts chat service must be enabled in the Admin console.

The Google Talk app for Windows will continue to work for approximately two months before being turned off completely. We will post a follow up notification within the application prior to the shut down. The Google Talk service is still available through Gmail.

Release track:

Rapid release and Scheduled release

For more information:

Help Center

Download the Hangouts Chrome app

Note: all launches are applicable to all Google Apps editions unless otherwise noted

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Enhanced Google Admin app for Android

Enhanced Google Admin app for Android

The Google Admin app for Android allows super admins to manage their Google for Work products on the go with their Android phones and tablet... 10.55

The Google Admin app for Android allows super admins to manage their Google for Work products on the go with their Android phones and tablets. The app can be used to manage users and groups, contact support, view audit logs, check notifications and do other common administrative tasks. We’ve launched an update to the app, including the following new features:

• Optional 4-digit PIN that works across devices: We’ve added an optional and convenient 4-digit PIN to secure access to the app. You can use the same PIN while logging into the app from any device.
• Ability to switch between multiple accounts: Admins who manage multiple domains can now do so from the app without logging out and logging in
• Accessibility compliance: The app is now accessibility compliant on all primary flows and use cases
• New icons and other fixes: The app now features new sharper icons; several bugs have been fixed

Note that this app works for super admins only and requires API access to be enabled. Release track:

Rapid release and Scheduled release For more information:

Get the Google Admin app for Android

Help Center

Note: all launches are applicable to all Google Apps editions unless otherwise noted

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Notification in older spreadsheets of upcoming migration to new Google Sheets

Notification in older spreadsheets of upcoming migration to new Google Sheets

Starting next week, people using older spreadsheets (those created prior to Dec 2013, including any subsequent copies) in Google Apps domain... 08.04

Starting next week, people using older spreadsheets (those created prior to Dec 2013, including any subsequent copies) in Google Apps domains on the Rapid release track will see a notification about an upcoming auto-migration to the new version of Google Sheets. They will be directed to the Help Center to learn more.

The actual migration won’t start for another 2-3 weeks, and no action is required as a result of the migration. No data should be affected; however, in rare cases the results of some formulas and some other features may be slightly different. See "What's different in the new Sheets?" in the Help Center article for more detailed information.

You can tell what version your spreadsheet is in by checking to see if there is a green checkmark at the bottom right of your spreadsheet (the checkmark is found on new Sheets only).  

Release track:

Rapid release; the notification will be shown to Scheduled release domains closer to the actual migration date

For more information:

Help Center

Note: all launches are applicable to all Google Apps editions unless otherwise noted

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Browse, skim, study your favorite nonfiction books more easily with Google Play

Browse, skim, study your favorite nonfiction books more easily with Google Play

Have you ever had breakfast for dinner? Or checked the score of the big game before you watched it? Traditional ebook reading is great when ... 08.00

Have you ever had breakfast for dinner? Or checked the score of the big game before you watched it? Traditional ebook reading is great when you want to read books from start to finish—but what if you want to skim through recipes; jump between questions and answers, researching a topic; or read chapters out of order? Today we’re launching a new version of the Google Play Books app for Android phones and tablets with a redesigned reading experience that’s optimized for nonfiction books. This new reader lets you easily skim an entire book, browse all your notes and highlights, and quickly jump back and forth between different spots. And it’s still great for fiction ebook reading, too.

Imagine you’re cooking two recipes from the same cookbook— roast chicken and bruschetta from Around the Table. No problem. Take a peek at the new table of contents view to skip straight to the “Bountiful Tuscan Feast” chapter. Once you’ve found your recipes, you can easily jump between them using new Quick Bookmarks.

When you’re planning your next trip, pick up a Fodor’s travel guide and use Skim Mode to browse the whole book and get a sense of which destinations you want to be sure to visit. Bookmark your favorite spots for easy finding later.

If you’re a student, you can highlight text and take notes while you’re reading, then refer back to them later with Skim Mode—the perfect study buddy.

Of course, all the things you loved about Google Play Books before are still here:

• Tap on any location name in a book to get a Geo Card with links to access Google Maps, Wikipedia or Web Search 
• Tap and press on any word to look it up in the dictionary 
• Select text to highlight in four colors, take notes or translate from any language 
• Don’t lose your place! Your reading position is synchronized across all your devices: phone, tablet and web 

Ebook reading has always been great for getting lost in a well-crafted story (in the dark using night mode is my favorite!), but now it’s a good fit for any type of book. Visit the Google Play store to have a look for yourself—just add any free sample to your library to start reading. Plan a trip, prepare a meal, research a topic or study for an exam—we’ve got you covered with the new reader app for Google Play Books.

Posted by Scott Dougall, director of product management for Google Play Books 

New version of the Google Drive app for Android

New version of the Google Drive app for Android

A new version of the Google Drive Android app is coming to Google Play. The launch includes: New Design: The new interface, leveraging some ... 14.23

A new version of the Google Drive Android app is coming to Google Play. The launch includes:

• New Design: The new interface, leveraging some of the Material Design principles recently announced, puts your content front and center and makes creating, uploading and accessing it easier than ever. 
• Improved Search: The search tool makes it easy to find the content you’re looking for by updating results as you type each letter into the search box. 
• Better Sharing: Add a custom message when you share a file so your collaborators know why you sent it. You can also turn on link sharing to make the file “public” and set access to view, comment, or edit. This automatically copies the link to the clipboard and allows you to paste it wherever you want.
• Enhanced PDF Viewer: A new PDF viewer lets you find, select and copy text in PDFs, and it’s built right into Drive so you don’t need to launch another app.

Release track:

Rapid release and Scheduled release (gradual rollout)

For more information:

Google for Work Blog post

Get the Google Drive App on Google Play

Note: all launches are applicable to all Google Apps editions unless otherwise noted

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New features added to the Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides Android apps

New features added to the Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides Android apps

Several new features are now available in the Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides Android apps, including: Incoming items view Similar to the on... 14.05

Several new features are now available in the Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides Android apps, including:

• Incoming items view
• Similar to the one in Drive today, and recently added for iOS, a new Incoming view has been added to the navigation panel, granting quick access to files that have been shared
• Make a copy of Google documents, spreadsheets, and presentations
• Extending the functionality available on the web, it’s now possible to make copies of Google file types on the go
• Usability and accessibility improvements

Release track:

Rapid release and Scheduled release

For more information:

G+ Post

Get the Docs, Sheets, and Slides Android apps on Google Play

Note: all launches are applicable to all Google Apps editions unless otherwise noted

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Movie night made better with the new Google Play Movies & TV app

Movie night made better with the new Google Play Movies & TV app

After a long day, you want to sit back, kick up your feet and watch a hot new release. With today’s updated Google Play Movies & TV app ... 11.00

After a long day, you want to sit back, kick up your feet and watch a hot new release. With today’s updated Google Play Movies & TV app for Android, your dinner and a movie—at home—is about to get a lot better.

Now when you cast your favorite movie or show to your TV using Chromecast or the new Nexus Player, you’ll get actor or soundtrack cards on your phone or tablet while you are watching, with extra information about what’s playing on screen. Next time you’re burning to know where you’ve seen that actress before, or want to remember a song for later, you don’t have to hit pause or fumble with your controller. It’s at your fingertips—just like your popcorn. Look for the Info Cards badge on the Google Play store to find movies and TV shows that offer this feature.

Google Play Movies also has a new look and feel inspired by Google’s material design with bigger images and smoother transitions. And the redesigned “Watch Now” tab makes the experience of finding a movie as pleasant as watching the movie itself. Now you’ll see more movie recommendations in Watch Now, and you’ll be able to watch a trailer directly in the app.

The new Android app will rollout to everyone over the next week. We hope this update helps make your living room closer to the at-home theater of your dreams. Cue the opening credits!

Posted by Ben Serridge, senior product manager for Google Play Movies & TV

Google Fit: An effortless, comprehensive view of your fitness.

Google Fit: An effortless, comprehensive view of your fitness.

When it comes to improving our fitness, every little effort counts. That’s why we’ve created Google Fit – a fitness app that helps you to s... 10.12

When it comes to improving our fitness, every little effort counts. That’s why we’ve created Google Fit – a fitness app that helps you to start tracking your activity effortlessly and become more active, aware and motivated.

Google Fit uses sensors already built in to your Android phone to automatically detect walking, biking and running. And you can set and monitor your fitness goals based on your activity levels. It’s a great tool to discover how active you are and check in on your progress as you work on your fitness goals. In fact, you can check in just about anywhere, including your phone, the web, tablet and Android Wear devices.

You can also connect your favorite fitness devices and apps like Strava, Withings, Runtastic, Runkeeper and Noom Coach to Google Fit and we’ll surface all of the relevant data in one spot, giving you a clear and complete view of your fitness. No need to check one app to see your weight and another to review a run – with Google Fit, that data will all be surfaced in one, simple place.

Just keep your Android phone with you and we’ll make sure your activity counts – whether you’re cycling up steep hills, going for a morning jog or walking the dog.

Google Fit is available starting today on Google Play for devices running Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich and above.

Sabrina Ellis, Director, Product Management, Android 

Unlimited Drive storage for Google Apps for Education

Unlimited Drive storage for Google Apps for Education

As initially announced last month, this week we’ll be rolling out unlimited Drive storage to all Google Apps for Education schools at no ch... 10.09

As initially announced last month, this week we’ll be rolling out unlimited Drive storage to all Google Apps for Education schools at no charge.

Stay tuned for future updates on Google Apps Vault and enhanced auditing tools coming later this year to Google Apps for Education.

Release track:

Rapid release and Scheduled release

For more information:

Google for Education Blog post


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A sweet Lollipop, with a kevlar wrapping: New security features in Android 5.0.

A sweet Lollipop, with a kevlar wrapping: New security features in Android 5.0.

With each new release of Android, we try to stay two steps ahead of the bad guys. When it comes to security, Lollipop is the biggest update ... 09.02

With each new release of Android, we try to stay two steps ahead of the bad guys. When it comes to security, Lollipop is the biggest update for Android to date. From the moment you turn on a device running Android 5.0, you’ll have a wealth of new security features protecting you, like encryption by default and a lock screen that’s easier and more powerful than ever.

The simplest way to stay safe is now even easier 
What’s the simplest way to keep the data safe and secure on your mobile device? Use a screen lock! Lost and stolen devices are the number-one security issue affecting smartphone users. Still, a lot of people using mobile devices don’t use a pin or password because it takes too long to unlock, dozens of times per day. We’re making it easier than ever with Smart Lock, which lets you tell your phone to unlock using Bluetooth pairing, NFC, or simply your smile—faster than before. Plus, you can allow certain notifications to be accessible from the lock screen, helping you quickly get at the information you need while still keeping your device protected.

More secure, from the first time you turn it on 
People use safes and combination locks to protect their physical goods. With digital information, encryption acts like a safe to protect your information from thieves and snoops. That’s why we’ve worked hard to provide this added security for our users, which will now be the default from the moment you power on a new device running Lollipop, keeping your data safer without needing you to fiddle around in the settings. Full device encryption occurs at first boot, using a unique key that never leaves the device. This is the safest way to encrypt your device, which is why it’s how we’ve built encryption on Android since it first launched three years ago.

SELinux, making Android secure enough for the most demanding customers 
Android has had a strong application sandbox since the very beginning; Security Enhanced Linux (SELinux) pushes enforcement of the Android security model further into the core of the OS and makes it easier to audit and monitor so there's less room for an attack. With Android 5.0, SELinux Enforcing mode is required for all applications on all devices. Multiple vulnerabilities have been prevented since we first introduced SELinux last year; by strengthening it even more, Android becomes a top choice for enterprise customers that have really strict security standards, such as the government. This is a feature that the broader security community helped us build, and is an example of how Android’s open nature helps make your device more secure every day.

There are a number of other features that were added to the platform to keep your devices secure. So, not only is Lollipop is the sweetest update of Android to date, we also built in a rigid (security) Lollipop stick for the core and and kevlar wrapping on the outside—to keep you safe from the bad guys, inside and out. Posted by: Adrian Ludwig, Lead Security Engineer, Android

Update: In September, we announced that all new Android Lollipop devices would be encrypted by default. Due to performance issues on some Android partner devices, we are not yet at encryption by default on every new Lollipop device. That said, our new Nexus devices are encrypted by default and Android users (Jelly Bean and above) have the option to encrypt the data on their device in Settings ---> Security ---> Encryption. We remain firmly committed to encryption because it helps keep users safe and secure on the web.

Add-ons for Google Forms

Add-ons for Google Forms

In the spirit of giving you even more flexibility and customization, we’re launching add-ons for Google Forms--new tools, created by develop... 13.50

In the spirit of giving you even more flexibility and customization, we’re launching add-ons for Google Forms--new tools, created by developer partners, that bring even more features to your surveys (just like add-ons for Docs and Sheets).

Check out the growing list of available add-ons, several of which are particularly relevant for education, from the “Add-ons” menu in Forms, or by directly visiting the Forms add-ons store.

If you have already disabled add-ons for your domain in the Admin console, Forms add-ons will be defaulted off. To change this setting, click on Google Apps -> Drive > General Settings and check/un-check the “Allow users to install Google Docs add-ons” box.

Release track:

Rapid release and Scheduled release

For more information:

Google for Education blog post

Forms add-on store

Help Center

Note: all launches are applicable to all Google Apps editions unless otherwise noted

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Jogging and jamming with Android Wear and the Sony SmartWatch 3

Jogging and jamming with Android Wear and the Sony SmartWatch 3

Going for a run is a great way to get some exercise and disconnect from the everyday grind. Today, Android Wear is giving you some extra mo... 09.01

Going for a run is a great way to get some exercise and disconnect from the everyday grind. Today, Android Wear is giving you some extra motivation to get moving with a new update, new wearables, and a whole new range of apps.

GPS and music, with or without your phone 
Whether you’re training for a marathon or you just ride your bike on weekends, Android Wear is great for tracking things like route, distance and speed. But before today, you had to keep your phone close at hand. Starting today Wear supports watches with GPS sensors, so you can enjoy these features regardless of where your phone’s at.

Likewise with music. You want to be able to turn up the volume on your favorite tunes, but the fewer devices the better when you’re jogging ‘round the bend. Now you can store music on your watch, listen to it via Bluetooth headphones, and leave your phone at home.

If you have a watch with GPS, you can try today's new features with apps like Golfshot and MyTracks. And if you want to rock out directly from your wrist, just grab the latest version of Google Play Music.

New wearables for your workout 
You can order the Sony SmartWatch 3 on Google Play or from Verizon Wireless. SmartWatch 3 is the first Android Wear watch to include a GPS sensor—perfect for enjoying today’s updates. It has a transflective display that improves battery life and is really easy to read in sunlight, so it’s a great fit for staying, well, fit.

Of course, Android Wear offers a range of shapes, styles and sensors to help you find the wearable that’s right for you. The LG G Watch, the Samsung Gear Live, and the Moto 360 will all be updated to include the new music functionality over the next few days. New Android wearables coming later this year on Google Play, the LG G Watch R and the ASUS ZenWatch, will also have the latest software.

Making it easier to explore more apps 
Many of the Android apps you know and love already work well with Android Wear. In fact, tens of thousands of apps are now enhanced for Wear using things like voice controls—with more added to Google Play every week. To help you find apps that work for you, we’ve created eight new app collections in Google Play. So browse the fitness and health collection, or take a look at travel, and let us know what you think in the new Android Wear community forum!

Posted by Kenny Stoltz, Product Manager, Android Wear

Updated November 10 to reflect availability of Sony SmartWatch 3 on Google Play.

Manage revisions for non-Google files in the new Google Drive

Manage revisions for non-Google files in the new Google Drive

As available with the classic version of Google Drive, we’ve now incorporated the option to view and manage versions for non-Google file for... 10.20

As available with the classic version of Google Drive, we’ve now incorporated the option to view and manage versions for non-Google file formats in the new Google Drive.

Simply right-click on a non-Google file (or click on it and use the ‘More Actions’ menu in the toolbar), and select ‘Manage versions.’

Release track:

Rapid release and Scheduled release

For more information:

Help Center

Note: all launches are applicable to all Google Apps editions unless otherwise noted

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Incoming items view added to Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides apps on iOS

Incoming items view added to Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides apps on iOS

People using the Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides apps for iPhone and iPad will now see a new Incoming view added to the navigation panel, s... 18.22

People using the Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides apps for iPhone and iPad will now see a new Incoming view added to the navigation panel, similar to the one in Drive today, granting quick access to files that have been shared with them. As with other available views, by touching the menu button next to a file in Incoming they can perform a number of actions, including:

• Share
• Download
• Move to a folder in Drive
• Print
• Remove

Release track:

Rapid release and Scheduled release

For more information:

Help Center

G+ Post

Get the Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides iOS apps

Note: all launches are applicable to all Google Apps editions unless otherwise noted

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It’s Tuesday morning, play music for a bright, sunshiny day

It’s Tuesday morning, play music for a bright, sunshiny day

It’s Tuesday morning and you might be sitting in the office, in desperate need of a way to stay motivated for the week ahead. How about a pl... 09.00

It’s Tuesday morning and you might be sitting in the office, in desperate need of a way to stay motivated for the week ahead. How about a playlist for staying focused at work? Starting today, it’s easier to find the right music for every mood with an updated Google Play Music app. This is our first integration with Songza, a company we acquired this summer that gives you expert curated music stations based on what you’re doing.

If you’re a Google Play Music subscriber, next time you open the app you’ll be prompted to play music for a time of day, mood or activity. Choose an activity to get options for several music stations to make whatever you’re doing even better—whether it’s a station for a morning workout, songs to relieve stress during traffic, or the right mix for cooking with friends. Each station has been handcrafted—song by song—by our team of music experts (dozens of DJs, musicians, music critics and ethnomusicologists) to give you the exact right song for the moment.

You can download these music stations to listen when you’re offline, see what song is up next, and add, remove or re-order them to suit your taste. Or you can start a new station based on any song in the mix. You can also search for a particular station you want or activity you want to find music for.

As part of this update, we’ve also redesigned the “Listen Now” page so you can more easily discover new music. Now you’ll see cards for all of your recently played music, new releases you might be interested in, and radio stations based on what you like to listen to. You’ll also notice that the new app uses Google’s material design, with bigger images, bolder colors and slick transitions.

The new activity-based station recommendations are available today for subscribers in the U.S. and Canada (Android, iOS and the web). The redesigned “Listen Now” page is available in all 45 countries where Google Play Music is available (for Android, iOS and the web). 

With more than 30 million songs to choose from on Google Play, it can be hard to figure out what to listen to. Sometimes you want to build your own mix to rock out with your friends, and sometimes you want to sit back, press play and hear something completely new. Whether you’re at work or on vacation, we’ll find you the best music station to make the experience better.

Posted by Brandon Bilinski and Elias Roman, Google Play Music product managers

Aggregate reports added to Admin console reporting

Aggregate reports added to Admin console reporting

We have added a new feature to Admin console reporting called aggregate reports. The aggregate reports are designed to provide domain-level ... 11.14

We have added a new feature to Admin console reporting called aggregate reports. The aggregate reports are designed to provide domain-level trends across multiple apps and allows admins to select their favorite reports for regular tracking.

The first version contains a series of charts displaying Google+ Hangouts usage, account status, admin status, storage quota, document visibility, email count, and Drive file count for all people within your Google Apps domain.

These new reports are best used for seeing overview trends. The user-level reports should be used for detailed user-level data. Admins can easily export the report directly to a Google Sheet or download it as CSV.

We will soon be adding many more reports to this section like usage trends for mobile, mail spam reports and many others so stay tuned.

To access the aggregate reports, sign in to the Admin console and click Reports > Aggregate Reports.

Release track:

Rapid release and Scheduled release

For more information:

Help Center

Note: all launches are applicable to all Google Apps editions unless otherwise noted

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Time-based triggers now in add-ons

Time-based triggers now in add-ons

Building on the recent launch of installable triggers for add-ons , time-based triggers can now be used as well. Time-based triggers let scr... 12.42

Building on the recent launch of installable triggers for add-ons, time-based triggers can now be used as well. Time-based triggers let scripts execute at a particular time or on a recurring interval, as frequently as once per hour in add-ons.

Take a look at our trigger documentation for more information.

Release track:

Rapid release and Scheduled release

For more information:

G+ post

Developer documentation

Note: all launches are applicable to all Google Apps editions unless otherwise noted

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Improvements to email log search in Admin console

Improvements to email log search in Admin console

Email log search gives admins the ability to sift through the delivery logs for their domains and evaluate message transit. This is useful f... 19.41

Email log search gives admins the ability to sift through the delivery logs for their domains and evaluate message transit. This is useful for tracking down a sender or recipient's missing messages, such as those that have been quarantined as spam or otherwise routed incorrectly. Admins also use this tool to determine the IP addresses sending and receiving mail or troubleshoot how policies affect mail flow.

Today we’re launching several improvements to email log search, including:

• Displaying compliance rule executions
• Allowing export of log search results to Google Sheets
• Note: the export/download button has moved from above and below the search results to the upper right of the screen (see screenshot below)

• Correct list expansion when the sender or recipient changes
• Note: Admins should anticipate seeing more details appear in messages where information changes during the lifecycle of a message
• Improving visibility of message transit time
• Time is now shown per recipient on the message details page

To access email log search, click on Reports -> Audit -> Email Log Search from Admin console.

Release track:

Rapid release and Scheduled release

For more information:

Help Center


Note: all launches are applicable to all Google Apps editions unless otherwise noted

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