Google Docs gets a polling feature

Photo: Google

Google has recently introduced Smart Canvas features to simplify template creation, document reuse, and YouTube video embedding. Now, it adds a polling feature that can be useful for shared Google Docs. With polls, it might help with making collective decisions more easily. Google allows users to add polls to documents using Smart Chips, a similar feature already available in Google Slides. You can vote by clicking the emoji next to the option you prefer and see the number of votes per option.

The company expects its users to utilize this polling feature to compare ideas, get feedback, and rank ideas based on popularity. And now, you don't have to use alternative apps to poll collaborators. You can already do it within the document you're working on. Google is rolling out the feature gradually, and it's only available for some customers, including Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Education Plus, and Nonprofit-tier Workspace.

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Google Workspace opens AI feature test to more users

Google wants more testers to try out the AI features it's added to Workspace apps. The company announced it's expanded access to its pool of "trusted testers" by over "10x." Right now, Google Docs and Gmail get access to these additional smarts, where you can generate, summarize, or brainstorm text and condense meeting notes into an email. 

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Google Docs gets emoji reactions in the comments

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If you use emojis to react to messages at work, you can now do that with Google Docs. When you highlight the text you're commenting on, you can now “Add comment,” “Suggest edits,” or “Add emoji reactions.” There is now a new button on the bottom-right corner that gives you the picker for emojis. If someone left an emoji you agree with, you can just tap the emoji to add on. This feature is rolling out on the web in the coming weeks.

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Google Docs update makes it easier to show code

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An update coming to Google Docs will make code formatting easier on the app. It plans to add code blocks to its "smart canvas" system that will automatically add proper spacing and colour-coding for programming languages like Python, Javascript, and C. You needed add-ons before to make this possible. But now, it'll be much easier to display code properly for documentation. The feature is accessible through Insert > Building Blocks > Code Block and then selecting the relevant language. You can also type "@project assets" into your documents to pull up the menu.

It might take some time for the feature to roll out, though. Google says some users may not even have access to it by January 18, depending on their Workspace settings. This is also only available to specific subscription tiers. If you’re using a personal Google account, a legacy G Suite account, or various Essential and Starter Workspace tiers, you won’t have access to it.

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