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.
Google Meet is getting a big update to its look, thanks to the new Material 3 design. This change brings a cleaner and more modern style to the video calling app, making it easier and more enjoyable to use.
With Material 3, Google Meet now has rounder buttons, softer colors, and better spacing between elements. The main controls, like the microphone, camera, and end call buttons, are now larger and easier to tap. The icons and text are also clearer, which helps users find what they need quickly during a call.
Another improvement is the new “expressive” color system. This feature lets the app’s colors match your device’s wallpaper or theme, giving each user a unique and personalized experience. The changes also make Google Meet more accessible, as the new design is easier to read and use for everyone, including people with vision difficulties.
These updates are rolling out to both web and mobile versions of Google Meet. Google says the new look will help people feel more comfortable and focused during their meetings. Overall, the Material 3 update makes Google Meet not only look better but also work better for all its users.
Android Auto is a helpful tool that lets you use your phone’s apps safely while driving. It connects your phone to your car’s screen, making it easier to use maps, music, and calls. One of the features many people like is the ability to change how Android Auto looks by switching between light and dark themes.
How to switch between light and dark themes
Android Auto offers two main themes: light and dark. The light theme uses brighter colors, which can make the screen easier to see during the day. The dark theme uses darker colors, which can be more comfortable for your eyes at night or in low light.
To change the theme, follow these steps:
- Open the Android Auto app on your phone.
- Go to the settings menu.
- Find the “Theme” option.
- Choose between “Light,” “Dark,” or “Set by car” (this lets your car decide the theme based on the time of day or your car’s settings).
Why themes matter
Using the right theme can make driving safer and more comfortable. The light theme is good for bright days, while the dark theme helps reduce glare at night. Having these options means you can pick what works best for you, making Android Auto easier to use in any condition.
In short, Android Auto’s theme options are simple to use and help you drive more safely by making the screen easy to see, no matter the time of day.
Google is rolling out some helpful updates to two of its popular apps: Google Drive and Files by Google. These changes are designed to make managing your files and watching videos much smoother.
First, Google Drive is getting a new video player. Now, when you upload a video to Drive and open it, you’ll notice a fresh look that matches Google’s latest design style. The controls, like play and pause, are easier to use and look cleaner. This update makes it simpler to watch videos directly in Drive without needing to download them first.
Meanwhile, the Files by Google app is also getting a makeover. The app is adopting Google’s Material 3 design, which means it looks brighter and more modern. The buttons and menus are easier to see and use, making it simpler to find, move, and organize your files. There are also new color options and improved icons, so everything feels more user-friendly.
Both updates show Google’s commitment to making its apps more helpful and enjoyable to use. Whether you’re watching videos in Drive or sorting files on your phone, these changes aim to save you time and make things less complicated. If you use these apps, keep an eye out for these new features—they should arrive soon!
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