Google Chat Unveils Huddles: Instant Meeting Feature for Enhanced Collaboration

Google Chat has rolled out a new feature that enhances real-time communication among users. This update introduces a functionality for initiating meetings instantaneously while having conversations with colleagues. The huddles feature provides a quick method to start audio calls in a picture-in-picture format. Users can also incorporate additional capabilities like video and screen sharing once their colleagues have joined the call. This feature shares a name with a similar offering from a competing platform and is designed to work seamlessly across both direct messages and group conversations.

A new update for Google Chat users is set to begin its rollout, arriving first on Rapid Release domains with expectations for full availability by December 20. Users subscribed to Scheduled Release domains will need to wait a bit longer, with the rollout anticipated to commence on January 6, 2025.

The huddles functionality allows Google Chat users to initiate meetings from various platforms, including direct messages, group chats, and designated spaces. Each huddle begins as an audio call, with the option for users to activate their video feed after joining. Moreover, advanced features typically found in regular video calls will also be accessible in huddles.

Since 2021, a competitor has provided a comparable feature, enhancing it a year later to include video capabilities. Users can enjoy huddle access via both mobile and desktop applications offered by the rival platform.

Starting a huddle in Google Chat is straightforward. Users have the option to select the arrow pointing downwards adjacent to the call button within the direct message or group chat interface, followed by selecting the option to initiate a huddle. The interface will present a compact picture-in-picture call in the lower right section of the screen, featuring controls for muting, video (which is turned off by default), screen sharing, and ending the call.

Additionally, users are able to adjust the size of the huddle window, which can be particularly useful when another member is sharing their screen or utilizing their camera. This picture-in-picture modality enables participants to continue engaging with Google Chat while actively involved in the call.