Google Chat in Gmail now allows users to make 1:1 audio and video calls

The US-based tech giant Google has announced that Google Chat in Gmail will now allow users to do 1:1 audio and video calls. This new feature will be available to both Android and iOS users.

Announcing the feature, Google said in a blog post, “You can now start or join meetings and audio calls from 1:1 chats in Google Chat in Gmail on Android and iOS. At the moment, this feature will be available for 1:1 chats only. To ring someone directly, select the phone or video icon in the top right corner of a 1:1 chat.”

“As some teams begin to return to the office, while others remain distributed, we hope this makes it easier to connect with your colleagues in the hybrid work world. This feature will allow you to seamlessly switch between chat to a video or audio call when needed, helping you collaborate and move your work forward, ” Google added.

To join a call, select the phone or video chip within the 1:1 chat. While on a call, you’ll see a banner of the person you’re on a call with, the call duration, and a Meet icon in the chat roster.

Missed calls will be indicated with a red phone or video icon within the conversation and the chat roster.