Google Chat unveils instant audio meetings with “Huddles” and introduces Gemini mobile app for Workspace users

Google is making communication within your workspace a breeze with two exciting new features!

Introducing Huddles in Google Chat:

Remember those quick discussions you used to have huddled around a desk? Google Chat brings that same spontaneity online with “Huddles.” This new feature allows you to jump into instant audio meetings directly from your chats.

Here’s how it works:

• Look for the “Huddles” icon in the top right corner of your chat window (direct messages, group chats, or Spaces).
• Click it, and voila! You’re in an audio meeting with your colleagues. A handy floating window gives you easy access to controls.
• Need to share a visual? No problem! Huddles let you switch on video or share your screen for a more collaborative experience.
• Wrapping up the discussion? A simple toggle at the top lets you end the Huddle quickly.

The power behind the simplicity:

Huddles are powered by Google Meet, ensuring a seamless and reliable connection. This integration eliminates the need for sending meeting links back and forth, saving you valuable time. Plus, the ability to resize the Huddle window allows you to multitask within Chat while keeping the conversation flowing.

Huddles are rolling out over the coming weeks to all Google Workspace users across various plans, including Business Starter, Standard, and; Enterprise Starter, Standard, and; Frontline Starter and Standard; Essentials, Enterprise Essentials, and Enterprise Essentials Plus; and Nonprofits.

Gemini Mobile App Now Available for Workspace Users:

Google is also making it easier to access information and complete tasks on the go with the launch of the Gemini mobile app for Android and iOS. This app, previously only accessible through a web browser, is now available to Workspace users (both work and education accounts).

What can you do with the Gemini mobile app?

• Research on the go: Need to find quick answers while you’re out and about? The Gemini app puts powerful research capabilities at your fingertips.
• Capture handwritten notes: Take a picture of your handwritten notes with your phone’s camera and effortlessly export them to Google Docs or Gmail for safekeeping and future reference.
• Whiteboard visualization: Turn whiteboard sketches into professional-looking charts right on your phone!

Some features are coming soon:

While the Gemini mobile app offers a robust set of tools, certain features are still under development. These include:

• Workspace Gemini Extension: The extension integration with Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Drive, Keep, and Tasks will be added in the future.
• File upload: Currently, uploading files within the app is not yet available.
• Gems: The ability to explore and use “Gems” within the app is forthcoming.

On Android, accessing the Gemini app with a Work Profile is also not yet supported.

Who can access the Gemini mobile app?

The rollout of the Gemini mobile app starts in the coming weeks for the following Google Workspace users:

• Business Starter, Standard, and Plus
• Enterprise Starter, Standard, and Plus
• Frontline Starter and Standard
• Essentials, Enterprise Essentials, and Enterprise Essentials Plus
• Google Workspace for Nonprofits edition
• Education Fundamentals, Standard, and Plus

Additionally, users with these Google Workspace add-ons can access the app:

• Gemini Business
• Gemini Enterprise
• Gemini Education
• Gemini Education Premium

For more details about access and supported languages, please refer to the official Google resources.

This update brings exciting new ways to collaborate and access information within your Google Workspace environment. With instant audio meetings and the convenience of a mobile research assistant, you’ll be able to work more effectively and efficiently, no matter where you are.