Google this week rolled out a bunch of rather significant updates for Gmail, Meet, and Sheets on iPhone and iPad that add a number of neat new features and improvements. You can download them from the App Store now.
Gmail now offers a Home screen widget that lets you see your inbox at a glance, while Meet now features Picture in Picture support so you can carry out remote meetings while you continue to do other things on your device.
Gmail gets a Home screen widget on iOS
Long-time Gmail users may remember that the app offered a Home screen widget on iPhone and iPad in the past. It actually debuted around this time last year. However, it was removed without explanation many months ago.
Now that widget is back, giving you a sneak peek at your inbox — your last three emails, at least — right on your Home screen. It also features a compose button that lets you quickly start a new email without having to open Gmail first.
Google Meet gets Picture in Picture support
Google Meet has finally caught up with FaceTime — and other video calling services on iOS — by adding Picture in Picture support. It lets you view you call in a smaller, resizable window that’s overlaid above all other apps.
Picture in Picture support means that you can continue to work on other things in the background while your Meet call takes place. It’s super-handy for those who work remotely on their iPhone and iPad.
Google Sheets adds keyboard shortcuts
Finally, Google Sheets has gotten an update that finally adds support for keyboard shortcuts. You can hold down the command key on your keyboard while the Sheets app is open to see a list of shortcuts that are available.
Although they’re not particularly sophisticated, many of them will prove useful to Sheets users. Google has added things like “find and replace,” “select row” and “select column” — and some common formatting options.
Download the updates now
Google says the latest updates for Gmail, Meet, and Sheets are available to download now from the App Store.
