Google is introducing one-on-one voice and video calls for Google Chat within the Gmail app on iOS and Android. Users can now start or join meetings and audio calls from one-on-one chats in Google Chat in Gmail, according to the company. For the time being, this feature will only be available for one-on-one chats.
The call feature is now available to everyone who has a Google Workspace, G Suite, or personal Google account. However, calls could be made from the Gmail app on iOS and Android before. But users had to send an invite to a Google Meet video conferencing call, which was more cumbersome and limited.
How to Make Voice and Video Call in Gmail App?
Users can call someone directly by selecting the phone or video icon in the top right corner of a chat. They select the phone or video chip within the one-on-one chat to join a call. While on a call, the user will see a banner of the person they are on the phone with, the duration of the call, and a Meet icon in the chat roster.
Missed calls will be indicated by a red phone or video icon within the conversation and the chat roster. Additionally, users who choose “Join a call” from the Google Chat app will be redirected to the Gmail app, where the call will take place.
According to Google, this feature will be enabled by default on Android and iOS devices. Both you and the person you want to call must have the most recent version of the Gmail app installed.
Google has been trying for years to spread its users across as many communication platforms as possible. Hangouts, Allo, Duo, and Google Plus � the company couldn’t choose just one app, service, or website. But, in recent months, Google has realised that we don’t want to switch between half a dozen apps to communicate with one another.
