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Google is adding voice and video calls to Gmail, one of its most popular apps. Google now gives you the capability to place voice and video calls via the Gmail app, and it will let you switch between chat to a video or audio call when needed.
Google has announced that you can now join meetings and audio calls in Google Chat within the Gmail app on Android and iOS. As of now, the feature is available for one-on-one chats, so a person can only connect with a single person at a time. Google aims to make it easier for office workers to connect with colleagues in the hybrid work world.
The addition of this feature by Google’s makes Gmail the central hub for all its communication services. In fact, Google’s post says you’ll be redirected to the Gmail app, even if you start a call from within the Google Chat app.
It’s previously been possible to start calls from within the Gmail app, but until now it’s involved sending an invite to a Google Meet video conferencing call, which feels excessive for a one-on-one conversation. Going forward, however, there’ll be simple phone and video icons in the top right of every one-on-one chat which can be used for calls.
You will now have four menu shortcuts at the bottom of your Gmail app, namely Mail, Chat, Rooms, and Meet. You can select the phone or video icon in the top-right corner of a one-to-one chat to ring someone directly. To join a call, select the phone or video chip within the one-to-one chat. The app will display a banner of the person you’re on a call with and missed calls will be indicated with a red phone or video icon within the conversation and the chat roster. Google has started rolling out the new update for the Gmail app for Android and iOS.