Three changes to the way you use Google Apps at Ryerson
Consistent with Google’s broader rebranding of its software products, as of today, Google Appsat Ryerson will be known as G Suite at Ryerson.
In addition, we’ve worked with Google to roll out three upcoming changes to G Suite, including:
- An updated interface for Gmail with new email organization options;
- Video conferencing using Google Meet, which replaces the same feature in Hangouts;
- Free phone calls within Canada and the United States using the Hangouts app.
Gmail’s new features and fresh look
While you can find a complete list of features on Google’s Gmail help page (external link) , here are a few in particular to check out:
- Email snoozing (external link) hides messages from you inbox and lets you set a later date or time for it to reappear;
- Smart (external link) replies give you suggested phrases based on email content, allowing you to reply quickly;
- Nudges (external link) now bring old messages to the top of your inbox as a reminder for you to reply to them.
As for Gmail’s updated interface, you can now try the new look and features by clicking Try the new Gmail in the Settings menu. While you can stick with classic view, once October rolls around, the new version will be the only option.
Video conferencing with Meet
Google Meet is a dedicated app for video conferencing, replacing the video feature in Hangouts. With a simple interface and more robust web conferencing features, Meet allows up to 25 people to join a virtual meeting. Learn how you can:
- Schedule video meetings (external link) directly in Calendar or via email;
- Call in to a meeting (external link) on-the-go via phone;
- Share your screen (external link) with attendees during a video meeting.
If you previously created a Hangouts video conference link for a standing meeting in Calendar, you’ll need to replace it with a new Meet conference link to continue hosting video meetings.
Making phone calls with Hangouts
The phone feature is now available in Hangouts, making free calls across Canada and the United States possible. Visit the Hangouts Help page for instruction on how to make phone calls (external link) .
While Ryerson has determined the phone calling feature in Hangouts holds minimal risk to privacy, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- The phone call aspect of Hangouts falls under the category of consumer apps and therefore is not part of Ryerson’s agreement with Google. Learn more about the differences between core G Suite apps at Ryerson and consumer apps;
- Keep privacy and security top-of-mind when sharing information over a Hangouts call.
