News > Software & Apps Google Makes Workspace Features Available To Everyone Plus a new Google Chat experience By Allison Murray Allison Murray Twitter Tech News Reporter Southern Illinois University Allison reports on all things tech. She's a news junky that keeps her eye on the latest trends. Allison is a writer working out of Chicago, IL, with her only coworker: her cat Norbert. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on June 14, 2021 12:19PM EDT Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr Twitter University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Software & Apps Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Tech Leaders Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming Women in Gaming 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. Alexander Spatari “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 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." Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit