Google Workspace 2024 Recap (Pt 2)

In this second part of the 2024 Google Workspace recap, (Part 1 here) we delve into exciting updates to tools like Google Forms, Docs, Slides, and the innovative Google Vids and Notebook LM platforms. From enhanced organisation features to AI-driven content creation and improved presentation tools, these updates empower users to collaborate, communicate, and create with greater ease and efficiency.

Google Forms

Granular Control Over Form Respondents

Forms introduced enhanced sharing options, allowing form owners to specify who can respond by selecting specific individuals, groups, or target audiences.

Structured Data Viewing in Google Sheets

This formats Forms responses as tables directly within Google Sheets. This enhancement simplifies data analysis by presenting responses in a clear, organised tabular format, facilitating easier manipulation and interpretation of form data.

Forms layout updates

A number of key changes have started to be rolled out to Forms which affect newly-created forms and not existing ones. For example, Forms now need to be published before they can be used. The sharing options have been updated to be more inline with Drive and to be clearer who has access to the edit page and who to the respondent page.

Google Docs

Document Tabs

Docs introduced “Document Tabs,” allowing users to organise longer documents by adding tabs and sub-tabs within a single document. Users can customise tab icons with emojis and create nested structures up to three levels deep.

Google Slides

Speaker Spotlight Integration

The Speaker Spotlight feature allows presenters to insert their video feed directly into their slides, enhancing engagement during presentations. This integration provides a more interactive experience for the audience by combining visual aids with live presenter footage.

Multi-Monitor Support for Presentations

Google Slides added multi-monitor support, enabling presenters to view presentation controls, such as speaker notes and timers, on one display while displaying the slides on an external monitor. This enhancement allows for better management of presentation materials and a more seamless delivery during live sessions.

Google didn’t just add new features to existing products they brought some new exciting ones out! Check these out!:

Google Vids

Google Vids, leverages Google’s Gemini AI to assist users in creating professional-quality videos quickly. By inputting simple text instructions and utilising stock photos, users can generate videos in minutes, streamlining the content creation process for businesses.

The platform offers a variety of styles and templates, enabling users to tailor videos to specific needs such as sales training, onboarding, or project updates. Vids includes features for adding voiceovers and background music, allowing users to enhance their videos with audio elements. The AI can generate scripts for voiceovers, further simplifying the production process and ensuring consistency in messaging.

Here’s this recap, parts 1 & 2, made with Google Vids: VIDEO

Notebook LM

Notebook LM (formerly known as Project Tailwind) is a Google AI-powered note-taking and summarisation tool designed to help users better organise and leverage their notes. Notes can be Google or uploaded documents, websites, etc. It also includes an Audio Overview, which is an AI-powered podcast-style conversation about the notes provided.

I tried it out by uploading my LinkedIn profile. It was amazing listening to two “people” discussing my career. Check it out here.

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