Announcement - Spaces in Google Chat organized by conversation topic will be upgraded to in-line threaded spaces
Updated: January 19, 2024
What is happening:
Google Chat Spaces currently organized by conversation topic will soon be upgraded to in-line threaded spaces.
When is this happening:
A few weeks before the upgrade begins, users will start seeing a banner in all Google Chat Spaces that are organized by conversation topic notifying them of the upcoming change.
Previously, we announced this change would take place in November 2024; however, starting January 2024, Google Chat Spaces organized by conversation topics will be upgraded to in-line threaded spaces. While the upgrade occurs, you may receive an error that says, ‘Space is temporarily unavailable.' Most features will become available once the upgrade is completed, including sending and receiving messages in that space
To decrease the potential of disruption of service, the large spaces will be upgraded starting January 20, 2024, during off-peak hours (over the weekend) and will take approximately 12 hours to complete.
Why is this happening:
In-line threading allows users to reply to any message and create a discussion separate from the main conversation. Users can also follow specific threads, whereby they’ll receive notifications for replies and @ mentions in that thread, helping to cut through the clutter and stay on top of what matters most. Additionally, users will be able to take advantage of other upcoming helpful features such as quoting messages, message linking, and more.
What does it look like?
Before the Upgrade
Before the Upgrade
Conversations grouped by topic.
The banner display for Google Chat Spaces that are organized by conversation topic notifying them of the upcoming change
What does it look like?
During the Upgrade
During the Upgrade
While the upgrade is taking place, you may receive an error that says, ‘Space is temporarily not available.'
What does it look like?
After the Upgrade
After the Upgrade
Check out this video below to see what in-line threading looks like.
What needs to be done:
Nothing. The upgrade will happen automatically.
Please be sure to familiarize yourself with in-line threaded spaces by checking out the resources and future upcoming features below.
Future Upcoming Features
More Control over Notifications
Increase the granularity of notification settings to allow users to be notified for all messages within a space, including unfollowed threads.
Resizable Panel
Allows users to adjust the size of the threads sidebar.
Avatars in Threads
Show the thread participant avatars in the threads to make it easier to identify whether threads are relevant.
Additional Resources
Google Help: Use Spaces in Google Workspace
Google Help: Learn how to manage a space with in-line threading
Google Help: Learn when to use & organize a space
Google Help: Learn about the upgrade from conversation topics to in-line threading in spaces
Google Workspace Update: Updates regarding the transition from spaces organized by topic to in-line threading in Google Chat
Google Workspace: Product update and live Q&A: Spaces organized by topic upgrade to in-line threaded spaces in Chat