Google Chat now lets you start Slack-inspired “Huddles.”
Google Chat has introduced a ‘huddles’ feature that allows users to quickly start a meeting while chatting with a colleague. The new feature adds a shortcut to start an audio call, in a picture-in-picture mode, but users can also add other features, such as video or screen sharing, once other users have signed in. The Huddle feature shares the name of rival Slack and will work via direct messages and group chats on Google Chat, according to the company.
Google Chat Huddles work in private messages, group chats, and rooms
The company says the new huddles feature is here roll out for Google Chat users on Rapid Release domains and should be available on December 20. Users on Scheduled Release domains will have to wait a few more weeks, as the rollout is expected to begin on January 6, 2025.
Google Chat huddles can be started with just a few clicks
Photo credits: Google
According to the company, Google Chat users can start huddles from direct messages, group messages, and rooms. A chat starts as an audio call and users can enable their video after signing in. Other features available with regular Google Meet calls, such as screen sharing, will also be available with huddles.
Google’s rival Slack has offered a similar feature with the same name since 2021 and upgraded the feature a year later with support for adding video to those calls. Users can access the huddle feature on Slack’s mobile and desktop apps.
How to Start a Huddle on Google Chat
To start a chat, Google Chat users can click the downward-pointing arrow next to the call button in a direct message or group chat window and then click Start a group. The service displays a small picture-in-picture call at the bottom right of the screen with buttons for mute, video (disabled by default), share screen, and end call.
Users can also resize the huddle window, which can be useful if another member is sharing their screen or has their camera turned on. Picture-in-Picture mode allows users to continue using Google Chat while being part of the conversation, the company said.
