Google Chat introduces audio huddles and Gemini app enhancements for Workspace users

Google is expanding its productivity toolkit with two major updates for Workspace users: the introduction of Huddles in Google Chat and the rollout of the Gemini app for Android and iOS. These new features aim to streamline collaboration and enhance productivity, whether you’re in a meeting or working on the go.
Google Chat Huddles: Instant-On Audio Meetings
Unveiled in August 2023, Huddles in Google Chat provide an audio-first meeting experience that integrates seamlessly into your conversations. These “instant-on” meetings aim to simplify the process of connecting with teammates without the need to share meeting links manually.
How Huddles Work
- Accessing Huddles: Found in the top-right corner of Google Chat conversations (web version), users can start a Huddle directly from any direct message, group conversation, or Space.
- Recipient Notifications: Participants will see a message chip in their chat thread indicating who started the Huddle.
- Controls and Features: Huddles open in a floating window, offering easy access to controls like adding video, screen sharing, and ending the session with a quick toggle.
Powered by Google Meet, Huddles support multitasking, allowing users to resize the meeting window or share their screens without interrupting their workflow. This integration bridges the gap between quick chats and full-scale meetings.
Availability
Google Chat Huddles are rolling out over the coming weeks to the following Workspace tiers:
- Business Plans: Starter, Standard, Plus
- Enterprise Plans: Starter, Standard, Plus
- Essentials: Essentials and Essentials Plus
- Nonprofits: Google Workspace for Nonprofits
- Frontline Plans: Starter and Standard
Gemini App for Android and iOS
Building on its September announcement, Google is also rolling out the Gemini app for Android and iOS to Workspace users. This app combines advanced research capabilities with on-the-go tools designed to boost efficiency.
Key Features
- Quick Research and Answers: Users can search for information or get fast insights directly within the app.
- Visual Tools: Use your phone’s camera to snap pictures of handwritten notes and convert them into digital formats, such as Google Docs or Gmail drafts. You can also turn whiteboard charts into polished presentations.
- Mobile Accessibility: With the Gemini app, Workspace users can stay productive while away from their desks.
Limitations
While the app provides many useful tools, some features are not yet available:
- Gemini Workspace Extension: Features like integration with Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Drive, Keep, and Tasks are still in development.
- File Uploads and Gems: These functionalities are unavailable at launch.
- Work Profile Support: On Android, the app doesn’t currently support Work Profiles.
Supported Workspace Tiers
Gemini is being introduced to a wide range of Workspace plans, including:
- Business Plans: Starter, Standard, Plus
- Enterprise Plans: Starter, Standard, Plus
- Education Plans: Fundamentals, Standard, Plus
- Frontline Plans: Starter and Standard
- Nonprofits: Google Workspace for Nonprofits
- Add-ons: Gemini Business, Gemini Enterprise, Gemini Education, and Education Premium
Additional details about availability and supported languages are provided on Google’s official pages.
What This Means for Workspace Users
With Huddles, teams can initiate quick, audio-first meetings directly from their chats, making spontaneous collaboration smoother and more efficient. Meanwhile, the Gemini app empowers mobile productivity, helping users research, create, and organize while on the go.
These updates reflect Google’s ongoing commitment to enhancing collaboration and productivity across its Workspace ecosystem, ensuring users have access to intuitive tools that meet the demands of modern work environments.
Trouble downloading Google Chrome on Windows? Here’s What’s Happening

If you’ve tried downloading Google Chrome on your Windows PC lately, you might have hit a snag. Many users are reporting that the installer won’t run after they grab it from the official site. Instead of launching, it just sits there, leaving people stuck and frustrated.
The problem seems tied to how Chrome’s download process works. Normally, you click the download button, get a small setup file, and it kicks off the installation. But for some, that setup file refuses to start. Experts think it could be due to Windows security settings blocking it, an antivirus program stopping it, or even a glitch on Google’s end with the file itself.
For now, there’s no official fix from Google, but people have found workarounds. One trick is to turn off your antivirus temporarily while downloading and running the installer—just be careful and turn it back on after. Another option is to download Chrome from a different source, like a trusted third-party site, though you should double-check it’s safe. Some also suggest tweaking Windows Defender settings to let the file through.
This issue popped up around March 25, 2025, and it’s unclear how widespread it is. If you’re facing this, you’re not alone—others are in the same boat, waiting for Google to sort it out. Until then, these quick fixes might get you browsing with Chrome again soon!
New Gemini 2.5 Pro: A sneak peek at Google’s latest experiment

Google has just rolled out an early version of Gemini 2.5 Pro, and it’s already making waves. This new model is still in testing, but it’s showing off some impressive skills. People who’ve tried it say it’s faster and smarter than earlier versions, especially when handling tricky questions or big chunks of information.
The Gemini 2.5 Pro is built to tackle all kinds of tasks—like writing, coding, and even figuring out complex stuff. What’s cool is how quick it responds, which makes it feel more helpful for everyday use. Google says this is just a starting point, and they’re working to make it even better based on what users think.
Right now, only a small group of testers can play with it through Google’s experimental platform. They’re digging into how it works with things like text, numbers, and code. Early feedback hints that it’s a step up from older models, though it’s not perfect yet. Some say it shines brightest when dealing with detailed or creative jobs.
Google hasn’t shared all the details about what’s under the hood, but they’re hinting at big upgrades in how it processes info. The goal? To make a tool that’s super sharp and easy to use for everyone. As testing goes on, we’ll likely hear more about what Gemini 2.5 Pro can do. For now, it’s an exciting glimpse at what’s coming next from Google!
Android
Android Auto’s new update gets Ready for Gemini

Google recently rolled out Android Auto version 14.0, and it’s paving the way for something big—Gemini integration. This update doesn’t bring flashy new features for users to play with right away, but it’s doing important behind-the-scenes work.
The main focus? Getting the app ready to team up with Google’s Gemini AI system. According to experts who peeked into the update’s code, Android Auto is setting up to use Gemini’s smarts down the road. This could mean better voice commands, sharper answers, or even a more helpful driving buddy.
For now, though, things look the same when you connect your phone to your car. The changes are mostly hidden, preparing for a future where Gemini takes the wheel—figuratively, of course!
This update also keeps Android Auto running smoothly with the latest Android phones. It fixes small bugs and makes sure everything works like it should.
While there’s no official word yet on when Gemini will fully join the party, this step shows Google’s big plans for smarter driving tech. If you’ve got Android Auto, your phone might already have this update—or it’ll show up soon through the Google Play Store. It’s a quiet one, but it’s laying the groundwork for exciting stuff ahead. So, next time you plug in, know your car’s system is getting a little brainier, even if it’s not showing off just yet!
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