Google Chat is rolling out a new feature called “Huddles,” designed to enhance team collaboration by allowing quick, audio-first meetings directly within the platform.
Powered by Google Meet, Huddles eliminate the need for formal scheduling, providing a streamlined way to connect with colleagues in real time.
This feature, available in direct messages, group messages, and spaces, starts as an audio call but can easily transition to include video or screen sharing for a more comprehensive meeting experience. Users can also resize and multitask within the Chat app, maintaining workflow efficiency while communicating.
The feature integrates smoothly into the Chat interface, with the Meet video button relocated to the Chat header for easier access. From there, users can start a call, initiate a Huddle, or share a Meet link.
Huddles allow for:
The feature is part of Google’s effort to make collaboration tools more dynamic and user-friendly, supporting the needs of both small teams and large organizations. However, Huddles require Google Meet to be enabled in the user’s domain; otherwise, users can only join but not initiate Huddles.
The feature began its rollout on November 27, 2024, for Rapid Release domains, with full visibility expected by late December. Scheduled Release domains will see the rollout from January 6, 2025.
Huddles are included across various Google Workspace tiers, such as Business, Enterprise, and Nonprofits.
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