With the rise of remote and hybrid working, Google is actively working to improve its Workspace and provide a seamless work experience.

Similarly, Google has recently added a host of new features to Workspace for the same purpose. Let’s find out more about these new, exciting Workspace features.

1. Time Insights

Google Calendar shows Time Insights
Image Credits: Google

When working remotely, it is difficult to keep track of the time you spend on any given project. With Time Insights on Google Calendar, you can see how much time you spend on meetings, projects, and other things.

It provides you with a breakdown of your time, meetings, and people you most often meet. This feature allows remote workers to regain control of their time and manage their work hours. However, this feature is only available for a few Workspace plans.

Related: What Is Google Workspace and How Do You Use It?

2. GIFs and Dark Mode in Chat

Google Chat now supporting GIFs and Dark Theme

GIFs let you express yourself more easily when communicating online. Thanks to the integration with Tenor, Google Chat now lets you find and send GIFs on the web. In the Chat compose bar, you’ll see a GIF icon. Clicking on it allows you to browse, search and send GIFs directly in the chat.

Moreover, Google Chat has introduced a Dark Theme on the web and web app, so you can easily talk to your colleagues without straining your eyes.

3. Formula Suggestions in Sheets

Google Sheets shows smart formula and function suggestions

The Google Sheets editor now suggests formulas and functions based on your data and context. The handy feature saves you a few clicks and simplifies operations.

As you start entering a function or a formula, Sheets will show recommendations depending on the context. You can accept these suggestions using the Enter or Tab keys.

Related: Google Workspace vs. Google Spaces: What's the Difference?

4. Work Location in Calendar

Google Calendar showing work location
Image Credits: Google

As the future of work is hybrid, Google Calendar has made it easier to set and share your weekly work location routine. You can also update/change your work location in the Calendar if you change your mind.

Those who have access to your Calendar can view your work location and plan collaborations accordingly. Like Time Insights, this feature is available to limited users only.

5. Smart Reply in Docs

smart reply suggestions in Google Docs Comment

After Gmail, Google has released Smart Reply for Docs. When communicating in the Docs comments, you’ll now see suggested replies below the reply box. Thanks to this feature, you can save a few seconds every time you reply to a comment.

Related: Google Workspace's Smart Compose Update, Explained (And How to Use It)

6. Echo Detection in Meet

Google Meet shows Echo notification
Image Credits: Google

To make sure everyone can hear the presenter's voice clearly, it’s important to reduce background noise and echoes. But detecting and controlling echo in online meetings has always been a problem. Now, Google Meet intelligently detects the participant who's causing echo and informs them. Although Meet reduces echo wherever it can, it also gives suggestions to the users for removing it.

If you’re the one causing an echo, you’ll notice a red dot on the More icon along with a notification. By clicking on the notification, you can view the recommendations to prevent echo.

7. Customized Audio Greetings in Voice

Google Voice now allows you to add customized audio prompts and greetings when setting up the automated attendant. Though you can still use the standard text-to-speech voice, customized audio gives a human touch to your automated attendant.

With Google Voice licenses, users can now upload customized audio prompts and greetings, listen to the playback, and view automatic transcriptions of the messages they upload.

Maximize Your Productivity With Google Workspace

From a bundle of a few apps to a full-fledged productivity suite, Google Workspace has come a long way. With the addition of these new features, you can work and collaborate more efficiently on Workspace.

If you use Google Workspace apps regularly, it's best to learn the tips and tricks of these apps and master them.