Google Chat is a convenient instant messaging tool provided by Google Workspace. It allows for easy and efficient communication with colleagues, much like other popular platforms such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Mattermost.
Discover all the essential details about Google Chat, including its features, pricing, and integrations. This comprehensive guide will help you decide if this collaboration tool is the perfect match for your organization.
About Google Chat
Google Chat is an easy communication tool that ensures secure business communications within the Google Workspace ecosystem. It allows teams to collaborate through text, chat rooms, document sharing, presentations, and web conferences.
Google Chat, previously known as Hangouts Chat, was designed to cater to businesses’ needs. It offers a more professional alternative to the consumer-focused Hangouts. Google Chat enhances the standard version of Hangouts by incorporating various team collaboration features and integrations.
Google Chat Information
| Name | Google Chat |
|---|---|
| Compatible with | Android 6.0+ |
| Last Version | 2024.05.12.635591208.Release |
| Size | 38.1 MB |
| Developer | Google LLC |
| Google Play Link |  |
How do I use Google Chat?
- Google Chat is readily available within Google Workspace. To access it, click any Workspace application’s Google app launcher button.
- The app launcher is a grid of dots located in the upper right-hand corner of your screen.
- When you click on this grid, a selection of apps like Gmail, Calendar, Contacts, and Drive will pop up for you to access.
- After you’ve selected it, a list of individuals available to chat will appear on the left side of the screen.
- In addition, it will give you access to data such as presence information and the online status of specific colleagues. Click on the name to start a conversation. Enter your message and click the triangle-shaped send button to send it.
Google Chat offers a range of valuable features. The software uses predictive text options to automate responses. For instance, when a coworker greets you with “Good afternoon,” Google will generate suitable responses such as “Hello, how are you?”
After establishing a chat, you can easily share spreadsheets and documents from Google Drive. Participants can easily access the file through Google Docs.
In addition, the chat UI allows for quick and easy addition of video meeting links. Google Chat will enable you to share clickable meeting links with your colleagues easily.
How can I download the Google Chat app?
For a seamless desktop experience, you can download the Google Chat app. It will provide you with a separate, native interface instead of using it through your browser.
Follow these instructions to install the Google Chat app.
- Log in to Google Chat.
- When you start using Google Chat, a pop-up will appear, allowing you to download the desktop app.
- For more download tips or troubleshooting, click here.
Does Google Hangouts still work?
Regrettably, Google Hangouts is no longer available for those who may be curious.
Google announced in 2022 that Google Hangouts would no longer be operational. Fortunately, users can use Google Chat and Google Meet for messaging and video communication.
According to Google,
“Google Chat is an intelligent communication app for teams that takes direct messaging in Google Hangouts and evolves it to reflect how modern teams talk business.”
Google Chat represents the next stage of development for Hangouts. It enhances one-on-one communication and makes it more impactful in a professional environment. Chat offers all the essential features of Hangouts, including read receipts, video and audio conferencing, and image sharing.
Google Chat Features
Furthermore, the software includes a range of powerful features that promote collaboration. Here are some examples:
Spaces, direct messages, and group chats
Users can collaborate at various levels, from direct messages to team-wide spaces, similar to Microsoft Teams or Slack channels. Our messaging platform offers a range of features to enhance collaboration and communication. You can easily delegate tasks to team members using message threads, collaborate on files, and express yourself with emojis and reactions.
Larger Video Chat Capacities
Hangouts used to limit attendees to 10, but Chat’s paid structure allows for more participants. A maximum of 250 participants can participate in any video chat.
Google Meet Integration
This feature of Chat is quite impressive. To set up a meeting using Google Meet, you only need to tag meeting attendees. Mention the proposed meeting date and the calendar appointment will be created automatically.
