In September this year, Google provided Google Meet the ability to make voice and video calls. So now the Google Chat in Gmail is getting the ability to make 1:1 voice and video calls individually to the users in your chats. Other details like missed calls and ongoing call details will also be seen in the chats.
For those who are unaware of the ability, audio and video calls were integrated into Google Meet some time ago, but now it is being extended to Google Chats as well. In Google Meet one can access the feature by tapping on the link generated by the caller to join a call. Now one can directly make calls to an individual chat and no special link is needed to be generated for conversations. The users can simply dial a call to a person from their contact list.
Announcing the new functionality, Google said, “You can now start or join meetings and audio calls from 1:1 chats in Google Chat in Gmail on Android and iOS. At the moment, this feature will be available for 1:1 chats only.”
Here is how to make or join voice and video calls in Google Chats in Gmail
First and foremost select the phone or video icon in the top right corner of a 1:1 chat to call someone directly.
Within the 1:1 chat, select the phone or video chat to join a call. You’ll see a banner of the person you’re on the phone with, the call duration, and a Meet icon in the chat roster while on the phone.
Missed calls will be indicated with a red phone or video icon within the conversation and the chat roster.
While you can select “Join a call” from the Google Chat app, the call will be transferred to the Gmail app. You’ll be prompted to download the Gmail app from the Google Play Store or the App Store if you don’t already have it on your device. When this feature is available for the Google Chat mobile app, we’ll post an update on the Google Workspace Updates Blog.
Note that this feature will be available for Google Chat in Gmail and when Meet video calling is enabled. Also, it will be accessible by default on Android and iOS devices — both the caller and receiver will need the latest version of Gmail.
Google also stated, “As some teams begin to return to the office, while others remain distributed, we hope this makes it easier to connect with your colleagues in the hybrid work world. This feature will allow you to seamlessly switch between chat to a video or audio call when needed, helping you collaborate and move your work forward.”
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