Google Workspace is the name of the office automation, productivity and collaboration suite of the Internet giant that until now we knew as G Suite. Beyond the name change, Google will increase the service’s features with new characteristics and greater integration of the applications in addition to renewing the logos and slightly modifying their prices.
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“Everything you need to get anything done now in one place” is Google’s slogan to present the new name of its office suite. The motivation is very clear, this move is very similar to what Microsoft has done with its services by renaming products under its main brand, Microsoft Bing or Microsoft Defender for example. “By choosing Google Workspace, we get the brand association with Google, which is really important for us” explains Vice President Javier Soltero.
Google Workspace: Integration
As its name indicates, the integration of applications and functions is one of the main objectives of the renewal of G Suite, it includes Gmail, Calendar, Meet, Chat, Drive, Documents, Spreadsheets, Presentations, Forms, Sites and other functions. Google has already taken steps in this new direction with the integration of Google Meet into Gmail and now expects to attract more users with the advantages that fully integrated services offer.
The goal is to create a workspace without wasting time in its management to take advantage of it in more effective execution. Soltero goes further and ensures that this is the end of the “office.”
Some examples of this type of integration are already available. Google Workspace applications will allow users to display small previews of other documents embedded within the space they are working on. Google will also expand the use of “smart chips,” which are small contact cards that can appear when you mention a contact in a document.
Another new feature is a chat window that can generate a new document for everyone in the group without the need for a new tab. Or in Google Docs, instead of chasing after each other’s cursors or opening a chat window, you can immediately start a video call in the same window for everyone who is active in the document.
Gmail and Chat already have a picture-in-picture mode that allows you to make Google Meet video calls in those services. This feature will also be implemented in Documents, Spreadsheets, and Presentations in the coming weeks/months.
It is clear that Google Workspace is focused on the desktop (except Meet in Gmail the other Google mobile applications will not be so tightly integrated at least for the time being) and on the applications of Google itself, but the firm assures that it will not reduce the support of third parties and combinations with others like Slack or Zoom.
New logos and prices
Google has taken advantage of the announcement of the new suite to renew the iconography of the applications that form it. These are simply cosmetic aspects. We like them, although it will be hard to forget the great classic “M” of the Gmail mail client.
Google has also slightly changed prices and subscription names. The most economical plan for Google Workspace is Business Starter, starts at $6 per month. Those who need more storage and support can choose the Business Standard plan for $12. The new Business Plus plan for $18 per month includes additional security features and compliance tools such as Vault and mobile device management capabilities.
All plans offer a 14-day free trial before you sign up.
