Google Makes Workspace Features Available To Everyone

Anyone with a Google account now has access to Google Workspace features starting Monday. 

Google also announced new features in its previously subscription-only Workspace experience, such as the ability to share smart suggestions in emails or documents, the ability to mention other users to add them to tasks and present in Google Docs, and adding Sheets or Slides directly within your Google Meet calls. 

“By bringing Google Workspace to everyone, we’re making it easy for people to stay connected, get organized and achieve more together, whether it’s advancing a cause, planning your family reunion, assigning next steps for the PTA or discussing this month’s book club pick,” Google wrote in its blog post announcing the updates. 

Perhaps the most notable new Workspace update is Google Chat integration. Google said it will rename its chat Rooms to Spaces as part of a plan to provide a “streamlined and flexible user interface that helps you stay on top of everything that’s important.”

Google Chat Spaces will get features like in-line topic threading, presence indicators, custom statuses, expressive reactions, and a collapsible view, all of which will integrate with files and tasks. 

Google initially announced some of these new Workspace features during last month’s Google I/O conference and referred to the new experience as Smart Canvas. The Smart Canvas features, such as inclusive language suggestions and connected checklists, work across Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. 

Google Workspace debuted last October, but only has been available with a paid subscription starting at $6 a month. Google introduced a new subscription tier on Monday with premium features, including smart booking services, professional video meetings, and personalized email marketing. It's called Google Workspace Individual and it targets small business owners and entrepreneurs. It has no official pricing structure yet, but should roll out "soon."