Google Workspace Business starter to get shared drives, Google Tasks unveils major redesign
Key Points:
- Shared Drives in Workspace Business Starter: Launching in September with pooled storage.
- Enhanced Collaboration: Shared drives simplify access, collaboration, and content management.
- Google Tasks Redesign: New card-based UI with a streamlined experience on Android.
Google is making significant updates to its Workspace Business Starter plan and Google Tasks. Here’s what’s changing and what you need to know.
Shared Drives Coming to Business Starter
Starting in September 2024, Google Workspace Business Starter will roll out shared drives for its users. This feature comes after Google’s shift to pooled storage earlier this year. Instead of the old 30 GB per user storage limit, organizations now get a pooled storage capacity, calculated as “30 GB multiplied by the number of users.” Admins have the flexibility to set individual storage limits for users within this pooled storage.
What Does This Mean for Users?
- Easier Access to Files: Shared drives ensure that all your team’s documents are in one place, reducing the time spent searching for or requesting access to files.
- Persistent Content: Even if a team member leaves the organization, the files in the shared drive remain accessible to the rest of the team.
- Seamless Collaboration: All team members can work on the same files simultaneously, with the option to include collaborators from outside the team or even the organization.
- Access from Anywhere: Whether you’re on a different device or in a different location, you can still get to the files you need.
Admins can control who can create shared drives through the Admin console, with the ability to add or remove members and adjust their access levels. However, some advanced controls, like fine-tuned access management, are not available in this basic version for Business Starter.
Google Tasks Gets a New Look
Google Tasks has undergone a major redesign on Android, bringing a more modern, card-based interface that aligns with Google’s Material You design language. The update simplifies the user experience by removing the bottom app bar, which previously housed navigation and key actions. Now, the app features a floating action button (FAB) for creating new tasks.
The main list interface now uses a card motif, with active tasks displayed at the top and completed tasks in a separate card below. Sorting options and additional features, such as renaming and deleting tasks, are now located in the top-right corner of the screen. The design update also brings a darker background for tasks when using the dark theme, making the interface consistent with the tasks.google.com UI.
This update is being rolled out gradually through a server-side update, so if you don’t see it yet, try force-stopping the app. The new design is currently available only on Android, with no word yet on when iOS users might see it.
Google’s latest changes to both Workspace Business Starter and Google Tasks highlight its commitment to improving user experience and enhancing productivity across its platforms.