Google is adding a new daily calendar view to the Chrome browser for Workspace users. This will allow you to open a new tab when you log in to your organization account and see your appointments, meetings, and files stored in Google Drive first. Easy access to your calendar and video calls will help you plan your workday more efficiently.
This update comes alongside other updates to Google Workspace, including “enterprise-managed site shortcuts,” which allow IT teams to create quick links to frequently used sites. This feature will allow you to quickly access frequently used sites from a drop-down menu in the URL bar.
Previously, regular Chrome users could set their own site shortcuts. For example, typing “red” would launch a site search for Reddit. Now, IT teams can implement a group policy to automatically add the most useful shortcuts for departments so employees don’t have to set them up themselves.
The new feature is not limited to Workspace users, but is available to all Chrome users. The browser will also remind you of tabs you forgot about, regardless of which device you opened them on.
However, IT teams are also being given more detailed management controls. For example, security policies can be created on a per-profile basis and a “managed browsing” feature can be used to keep work and personal data separate. For users, a new interface will be displayed when they log into their work accounts. This interface will clearly show which data the company has access to on the device and will ensure that personal bookmarks, extensions and browser data are kept in separate profiles.
Google Chrome and Calendar integration increases productivity
These new features are an important step for users who want to maintain a work-life balance, especially in environments where BYOD (bring your own device) policies are in place. Google aims to increase users’ security and make their work experience more organized. Keeping work and personal data separate is important for both users’ and companies’ data security.