Google Workspace the company's suite of business tools previously known as Google Suite — is now free, and open to everyone.

This may be confusing with a Google users, who've been using apps such as for instance Gmail, Meet, and Docs for some time without paying a dime Google Extension. But Google Workspace does possess some extra features that have been previously available and then paying customers.

Making the switch to Workspace can give users an even more integrated experience. They'll get smart suggestions in emails, and manage to show a document in a Google Meet call with one click.

Central to this new experience is Google Chat (formerly Hangouts), that will be now available for everyone and can be turned on in Gmail's settings. With Chat, you'll manage to create group chat experiences, which are now called Rooms but is likely to be "evolved" to Spaces on the summer. Spaces provides several new features, including in-line topic threading, presence indicators, custom statuses, expressive reactions, and a collapsible view, all of which sounds as being similar to Slack, only integrated inside of Gmail.

And yes, it's a little weird to open a function (Rooms) to more users and then immediately rename it (Spaces), but Google has a knack for confusing its users with constant name changes for similar features.

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Google's massive announcement also contains several new features in Workspace, such as for instance Companion Mode for Google Meet, that may launch in September and give meeting participants use of interactive tools such as for instance Q&As, polls, and live captions, along with new RVSP options for Calendar, coming "soon." Larger companies is likely to be happy to learn that client-side encryption is arriving at Google Workspace, as are enhanced phishing and malware protections.

Finally, Google also launched Google Workspace Individual, which really is a new subscription selection for individual small business owners. It has several premium features together with Google Workspace, such as for instance smart booking services, personalized email marketing, and pro video meetings.