Google’s Gmail apps bring instant voice and video call buttons to Chat

Back in September, Google announced that it would allow users to make calls directly from the Gmail app. Initially, users can create a Google Meet link in the app and share it with others through the service of their choice. They can also join meetings created by others through the mobile app. Google now makes it easy to enable audio and video calls by adding a direct call button to the Gmail app.

Google has announced in a blog post that it is now releasing new audio and video call buttons for the Gmail mobile app (via TheVerge). You can find buttons attached to conversations you access from the Chats tab. If you have not seen them yet, make sure you are using the latest version of the app. With a gradual rollout from today, Google says it may take more than 15 days for the feature to reach all users.

This new feature is available to all Google users – Google Workspace, G Suite Basic, and Business customers, as well as users with personal Google Accounts. It makes Gmail a go-to app for all types of communication, not just email-centric. The company highlights that users who click on the “Join a Call” button in the Google Chat app will be redirected to the Gmail app.

The new interface reminds us of Google’s Retired Hangouts. It is unclear what Google’s plans are for the current Gmail app. However, it is clear that the company wants to grow into a rich service that bundles communication tools. The app now has four bottom tabs – Mail, Chat, Rooms and Meet. This design protects users from having to jump between apps to work with their teams.