Google Chat in Gmail allows users to make instant 1:1 audio, video calls

By Shilpa Annie Joseph, Official Reporter
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US-based technology giant Google has rolled out a new feature to Chat inside Gmail that will allow users to make one-on-one audio and video calls.

The company has brought the update specifically for mobile users on Android and iOS platforms and is limited to only 1:1 chats. This means users can only make voice and video calls with specific people from their chat list.

Further, the users will be able to see missed calls and ongoing call details from the chat roster of Gmail, according to the reports.

Users who have enabled Google Chat in Gmail will now see the phone and video symbols in the top-right corner of a 1:1 chat as a result of the update, which was first announced in September. The users just needs to tap on any of these icons to directly make an audio or video call, depending on their preference.

Gmail will notify the users about an ongoing call with a blue banner appearing, which will appear at the top of the screen. It will include the caller’s name as well as the duration of the call. In the conversation and chat roster, Gmail will display a red phone or video icon to signify missed calls.

As per the reports, “The new calling experience is rolling out for all users with personal Google accounts as well as Google Workspace, G Suite Basic, and Business customers.” Both the caller and the receiver must be using the most recent version of Gmail to make and receive calls.

“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,” the tech giant said in the blog post.

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