Google Chat Introduces Huddles Feature Like Slack

Google Chat introduces its newest feature, Huddles, similar to that of Slack. This audio-first solution offers instant connection without requiring external meeting links or apps. It provides an efficient way to facilitate real-time discussions without leaving the Google Chat app.

What are Google Chat Huddles?

Google Chat Huddles are audio-first meetings integrated directly into Google Chat. This feature allows users to quickly connect without leaving their chat conversations. It supports audio calls by default, with options to enable video and screen sharing.

Huddles are designed to simplify real-time communication within direct messages, group chats, or Spaces. The meetings eliminate the need for creating external links, saving valuable time for users.

Participants can multitask easily with a floating control box that can be resized or moved. This makes it convenient to stay engaged in conversations while working on other tasks. 

How Can You Start a Huddle in Google Chat?

Starting a Huddle in Google Chat is simple and enhances team collaboration instantly. Follow these steps to begin your audio-first meeting effortlessly:

1. Locate the telephone icon: The telephone icon is in the upper-right corner of any chat window. It provides a direct option for initiating quick communication with participants.
2. Select “Start a Huddle”: Click the telephone icon and choose the “Start a Huddle” option from the dropdown menu. This action immediately launches an audio-first meeting for everyone in the chat.
3. Join using the notification chip: A notification chip appears in the chat thread for invited participants to see the meeting. Participants can click the “Join” button on the chip to enter the conversation seamlessly.
4. Adjust the floating audio box: The Huddle creates a floating audio control box that users can move or resize. This feature allows multitasking while staying connected to the ongoing discussion.
5. Enable additional features: Participants can switch to video mode or share screens directly within the Huddle. These features integrate Google Meet capabilities for more interactive collaboration.
6. Use across conversations: Start a Huddle in one-on-one chats, group conversations, or dedicated Spaces. This flexibility ensures Huddles work for diverse team settings and purposes.

What are the important features of Google Chat Huddles?

Google Chat Huddles bring practical and convenient features for seamless communication among team members. The major features include:

• Audio-first meetings: Huddles begin with an audio-only format, ensuring quick access to essential discussions. Users can enable video or screen sharing as needed during the conversation.
• Seamless integration with chat: Huddles are embedded within Google Chat, eliminating the need for separate meeting links. This simplifies transitions between messaging and meetings in a single interface.
• Multi-participant accessibility: Participants receive a notification chip directly in the chat thread for instant access. Joining a Huddle is intuitive and keeps the workflow uninterrupted.
• Customizable floating controls: Users can resize or move the Huddle control box for convenience during multitasking. This feature enhances productivity while maintaining active participation in discussions.
• Versatile usage across workspaces: Huddles support direct messages, group chats, and Spaces, adapting to various collaboration needs. The flexibility ensures it fits different team structures and meeting styles.
• Integrated video and screen sharing options: Built-in Google Meet functionality allows a smooth shift to video or screen sharing. This adds versatility to the format for presentations and visual discussions.
• Designed for hybrid work environments: The feature minimizes meeting fatigue by offering quick, lightweight alternatives to long discussions. It supports multitasking while keeping team members connected effectively.
• Ideal for quick decision-making: Huddles enable spontaneous conversations that lead to faster resolutions for team challenges. This reduces reliance on lengthy email exchanges or scheduled meetings.

Google Chat Huddles vs. Slack Huddles

Google Chat Huddles and Slack Huddles share similarities but differ in specific features. Here’s a detailed comparison to understand their unique offerings.

Similarities between Google Chat Huddles and Slack Huddles:

• Quick launch for instant meetings: Both platforms enable users to start audio meetings directly from chat windows. These features are designed for real-time communication without requiring external meeting links. 
• Integration with existing collaboration tools: Google and Slack incorporate Huddles into their broader communication ecosystems. Google Chat connects seamlessly with Meet, while Slack integrates with its channel-based messaging. These integrations help users transition smoothly between text and audio discussions.
• Optional video and screen sharing: Google and Slack support additional video feeds and screen-sharing capabilities during Huddles. These options enhance the flexibility of meetings based on user preferences. The audio-first approach remains the default for efficient multitasking.

Differences between Google Chat Huddles and Slack Huddles:

• Access and availability: Google Huddles are limited to Workspace subscribers, while Slack provides access to all users. This exclusivity for Google makes the feature less accessible for personal accounts. Slack’s approach appeals to a broader audience across various subscription plans.
• Advanced meeting features: Slack offers AI-generated notes during Huddles, improving meeting summaries and documentation. Google Huddles lacks this feature but provides integration with Google Meet. 
• Design of user experience: Google Huddles feature a floating audio control box for easier multitasking during meetings. Slack relies on channel-based interactions, which cater to continuous team collaboration. 

Are there any limitations to Google Chat Huddles?

Google Chat Huddles feature has benefits but also faces some notable limitations, including: 

• Restricted access: Huddles are exclusive to Google Workspace users, limiting availability for personal accounts.This exclusivity reduces its reach and adoption among individual users and smaller teams.
• Feature overlap: Huddles share similar functionalities with Google Meet, creating potential for user confusion. Users might struggle to decide when to use Huddles versus scheduling a traditional Meet.
• Dependency on Google ecosystem: Huddles work best within Google Workspace, limiting integration with external tools. Teams using diverse collaboration platforms might find it less adaptable to their workflows.
• User concerns with continuity: Google’s history of discontinuing products raises doubts about long-term feature stability. Users may hesitate to fully integrate Huddles, fearing eventual removal or changes.
• Learning curve: While simple, Huddles may require some adjustment for users unfamiliar with audio-first tools. Clear onboarding and instructions are essential to ensure smooth adoption across teams.

What impact will Google’s new feature have on the market?

Google Chat’s introduction of Huddles signals its intent to enhance competitive parity in the collaboration space. By integrating real-time voice meetings directly into its chat platform, Google aims to attract hybrid work teams. This strategic move provides businesses with more streamlined options for quick communication.

The addition of Huddles challenges established players like Slack and Microsoft Teams by offering comparable features. While Slack’s AI-generated notes and integrations remain strong differentiators, Google’s Workspace ecosystem adds a significant appeal. These developments reflect how the competition continues to push advancements in collaboration technologies.

Adopting Huddles may drive broader adoption of Google Workspace, particularly among cost-conscious businesses. Features like seamless multitasking and integration with Google Meet offer practical solutions for diverse industries. As competition intensifies, these updates could redefine user preferences in the collaboration tools market.