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.
Google’s May 2025 Android updates bring exciting changes to improve how your phone works and how you message. These updates focus on making devices faster, safer, and more user-friendly.
One big change is to Android’s memory system. By increasing the memory page size from 4KB to 16KB on newer devices, apps can load quicker and use less power. This helps phones, especially those with modern chips, run smoothly and save battery life. Older devices will stick with the smaller page size to avoid issues.
The Google System Updates for May also add new features. Google Wallet now supports more card types and makes transit passes easier to use in apps like Google Maps. The Play Store now shows video previews of apps, helping you decide what to download. There are also fixes to improve battery life, storage, and network performance, making your phone more reliable.
For Google Messages, a new “delete for everyone” feature lets you remove sent messages from group chats within 15 minutes. This works for both RCS and SMS, so you can fix mistakes easily. Other messaging upgrades include better scam detection and the ability to send high-quality photos and videos. These updates show Google’s effort to make Android devices faster, more secure, and better for communication. Keep your phone updated to enjoy these improvements!
Google Maps is making driving more fun with a new feature for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Now, you can pick different car icons to show your vehicle on the map. Choose from options like a sleek sedan, a rugged SUV, or a cool arrow.
This small change adds a personal touch to your navigation and is rolling out to all users soon. Meanwhile, Ecobee’s Smart Doorbell Camera is getting a big upgrade with Google Home support. You can now see who’s at your door right from the Google Home app, view live video, and even talk to visitors.
If you have a Nest Hub, the doorbell feed pops up automatically when someone rings. This feature, already available for Ecobee’s thermostat, makes your smart home setup smoother and is available now for all users. On the AI front, Google’s Gemini app is getting smarter with the Gemini 2.5 Pro preview.
This update improves coding skills, helping developers create better apps and websites. It also handles video and text tasks more effectively. The preview is out for everyone to try, with Google planning to share more at its I/O 2025 event. These updates from Google and Ecobee bring small but meaningful improvements, making your car rides, home security, and digital tasks easier and more enjoyable.
Google is rolling out exciting updates to make browsing, searching, and downloading apps smoother and safer for Android users. These changes focus on improving Chrome’s security, redesigning the Google Search bar, and enhancing the Google Play Store’s download process.
Chrome’s Improved Security
Google Chrome now offers stronger protection with “Enhanced Safe Browsing” powered by Gemini Nano, an AI model that works directly on your device. This feature checks websites in real-time to spot phishing attempts and other online threats, keeping your data safe without relying on cloud servers. It’s a step up from the standard protection, giving users more peace of mind while browsing.
Redesigned Google Search Bar
The Google Search bar on Android is getting a fresh look. It’s now simpler and easier to use, with a modern design that fits better with your phone’s home screen. The updated widget lets you access Search, Lens, or voice commands quickly. The new layout is clean and user-friendly, making searches faster and more intuitive.
Better Play Store Downloads
The Google Play Store is improving how it shows app download progress. A new notification design displays a progress bar right in your notification panel, so you can track downloads without opening the app. This small but helpful change makes managing app installs more convenient.
These updates show Google’s focus on creating a safer, simpler, and more efficient experience for Android users. They’re rolling out gradually, so keep an eye out for them on your device!
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