8 Best Features of Google Chat You Should Try Today
From Google Suite to Google Workspace and now, Google Hangouts to Google Chat, how are you keeping up with Google’s overhaul?
Google is aiming Chat at both ordinary consumers and corporations and enterprises. Compared to the model it is replacing, it is expected to have many additional features. With the help of the Spaces function, you may hold useful discussions from which you can delegate work, share files, and add new events to the calendar.
In its full glory, Google Chat should be able to perform almost all of Slack’s functions and, hopefully, more.
If you haven’t tried using Chat, or you feel like you’re not making the most of it, we’re here to help. At LR Training Solutions, we offer Google Workspace seminars, including Google Chat training. Our custom training and seminars focus on the latest tools and strategies on different topics.
Our team has been using Chat now, and we like to share some of the best features we dig out from this amazing messaging service. Try these and you’ll be a pro in no time!
1 – “Space” for group conversations
Consider making a “space” for group talks if your company uses Google Chat. Within a space, you can share files, set tasks, and thread conversations. Space gives you considerably more flexibility and is similar to a group chat on steroids.
It’s easy to set up. You only need to hit the New chat icon and choose the Create a space option on your mobile device. Continue by giving the space a name and, if you want, a display emoji. After that, you can extend invitations to your friends or colleagues to join your space.
2-Bots
Additionally, Google Chat offers bots, or automated accounts, to assist users with specific services like meeting scheduling and other chores. Currently, Chat offers bots for Google Drive, Meet, and several other services like Zoom, GitHub, Trello, Zapier, etc.
In Chat, you can add bots to a particular room or chat with them one-on-one. Click the search icon in the top-left corner, then select Find a bot to search for bots. Bots can be added to rooms, or you can have direct conversations with them.
These bots could be useful. Suppose you are arranging a trip. You may use genuine language to inquire about flights for a future trip using the Kayak bot, and it typically responds correctly. You can explore the options, then choose a flight that appeals to you and reserves it on Kayak’s website.
3-Auto-Delete Messages after 24 hours
When you select the History-off setting in Google Chat, all your messages from a particular chat are automatically deleted after 24 hours.
All you must do to send these messages that will trash themselves is turn the “history off” toggle in the message box. A timer option next to the message lets you know that it will be erased for both after 24 hours.
The “history off” option is not available in the rooms; it is only accessible when you chat privately.
4-Smart responses
You may already be using Gmail’s Smart Reply tools to create your messages more quickly. Google Chat’s online and desktop apps may offer you the same assistance.
Make sure the box under Enable smart answers on the web and desktop is checked by clicking the gear icon in the top right corner of the screen. These are shown in the reply field when Google Chat provides one or more ideas for you in a specific conversation.
5-Connect with Asana, Trello, SalesForce, etc.
Similar to an app store, Google Chat allows users to add additional bots that improve the program’s functionality.
You can search for the bot you need and add it to your Google Chat by clicking the Plus Sign (+) next to BOTS in the left sidebar if you use other productivity applications like Trello or Asana.
However, compared to Chat, Slack and Microsoft Teams now offer superior app support. In any case, there are lots of apps available that can help you finish your work.
We talk more about these collaboration tools in our Google Apps training.
6-Do Not Disturb mode
You can choose the time till you don’t want to be disturbed by any message notifications by clicking on the Active option in the top left corner of the screen when you are busy with something else. With the Google Chat app on your phone, you may also activate DND mode.
However, the DND choices go much further; when someone writes to you while you are in a meeting, a little text message reading “you are in the meeting” will appear above the chatbox.
7-Set status
By updating your status on Google Chat, you can let your loved ones, friends, and coworkers know what you’re up to. There is no need to turn off a status because it expires after a predetermined period.
Click the Status icon in the top-right corner of your screen and choose to Add a status from the drop-down menu to update your status from Gmail or the online app.
To access the menu from the mobile app, tap on the three horizontal lines in the top left corner of the screen. Choose between active, don’t disturb, and away. Unfortunately, using the mobile app to add a custom status is not an option.
8-Chat history
The conversation history is one aspect that many teams may find to be a deal-breaker. After all, having a record of everything the team talks about is crucial for future reference.
Some communication apps include restrictions on how long you can store your history, which is frequently a subscription service. With Chat, you can record everything without paying extra.
Additionally, you can decide whether to store your chat history. You may toggle history On or Off by just clicking the toggle button, which has a timer icon. All messages will be removed within 24 hours if it is turned off.
How to Use Google Chat in Gmail
You can connect with your team without ever leaving Gmail thanks to Google Chat’s integration with Gmail. However, the administrator of your Google Workspace account must enable this integration for it to work.
First, you must go to the admin panel for Google Workspace and toggle both Google Chat and the original Hangouts under the “Apps” section. Then select “Chat Clients” from the “Hangouts Chat” tab. Next, decide how you want to use your account’s Chat and Hangouts.
Your most recent chats will be displayed in the chat menu, which will be on the left side of your screen. To start a chat, simply click on it. If you wish to maximize the window, click the diagonal arrow. You can find more details here.
Get the Most Out of Google Chat
Google Chat is a software that simplifies team communication, despite not being as well-known as alternatives like Slack or Microsoft Teams.
It is a reasonable choice, especially if you already subscribe to Workspace.
We hope this guide has helped you understand this recently redesigned version of Google Chat.
If you still have questions or you want to simplify learning online tools for your team, we like to help. We offer Google Workspace or Google Suite training trusted by businesses and organizations around the globe.
Reach out to us or browse through our service pages to learn more about the training sessions we offer to businesses and organizations.
