With the new ‘huddles’ feature in Google Chat, users can easily begin a meeting while interacting with someone at work. Google Chat’s latest feature introduces a quick shortcut for starting audio calls in a picture-in-picture mode. Once participants join, users can enhance the experience by adding options like video or screen sharing. Named “Huddle,” this feature shares its name with a similar tool offered by competitor Slack. Google has confirmed that the Huddle feature will be available in both direct messages and group chats.
According to the company, Google Chat users on Rapid Release domains will soon be able to access the new huddles functionality. There will be a few more weeks of waiting for users on Scheduled Release domains.
Huddles can now be initiated by Google Chat users straight from direct messages, group chats, or spaces. A huddle will begin as audio calls, with the flexibility to switch on video once participants join. Additional functionalities like screen sharing, similar to those in Google Meet, are also integrated into Huddles. Slack, a competitor to Google, has been offering a similar feature under the same name, Huddles, since 2021. A year later, Slack enhanced this feature by introducing video capabilities to it. The Huddles feature is accessible on both Slack’s mobile and desktop applications.
Google Chat users can initiate a Huddle by selecting the downward-facing arrow next to the call button in a direct message or group chat window and clicking “Start a Huddle.” Once started, a compact picture-in-picture call interface appears in the bottom-right corner of the screen. This interface includes buttons for muting, enabling video (off by default), sharing the screen, and ending the call.
The Huddle window is also resizable, making it especially useful when a participant shares their screen or activates their camera. The picture-in-picture mode ensures users can stay active in Google Chat while seamlessly participating in the call, creating a smooth multitasking experience. With Huddles, Google Chat brings convenience, keeping teams connected like never before.
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