Google

Google Chat introduces audio huddles and Gemini app enhancements for Workspace users

Published

5 months ago

November 28, 2024

Google is expanding its productivity toolkit with two major updates for Workspace users: the introduction of Huddles in Google Chat and the rollout of the Gemini app for Android and iOS. These new features aim to streamline collaboration and enhance productivity, whether you’re in a meeting or working on the go.

Google Chat Huddles: Instant-On Audio Meetings

Unveiled in August 2023, Huddles in Google Chat provide an audio-first meeting experience that integrates seamlessly into your conversations. These “instant-on” meetings aim to simplify the process of connecting with teammates without the need to share meeting links manually.

How Huddles Work

Accessing Huddles: Found in the top-right corner of Google Chat conversations (web version), users can start a Huddle directly from any direct message, group conversation, or Space.
Recipient Notifications: Participants will see a message chip in their chat thread indicating who started the Huddle.
Controls and Features: Huddles open in a floating window, offering easy access to controls like adding video, screen sharing, and ending the session with a quick toggle.

Powered by Google Meet, Huddles support multitasking, allowing users to resize the meeting window or share their screens without interrupting their workflow. This integration bridges the gap between quick chats and full-scale meetings.

Availability

Google Chat Huddles are rolling out over the coming weeks to the following Workspace tiers:

Business Plans: Starter, Standard, Plus
Enterprise Plans: Starter, Standard, Plus
Essentials: Essentials and Essentials Plus
Nonprofits: Google Workspace for Nonprofits
Frontline Plans: Starter and Standard

Gemini App for Android and iOS

Building on its September announcement, Google is also rolling out the Gemini app for Android and iOS to Workspace users. This app combines advanced research capabilities with on-the-go tools designed to boost efficiency.

Key Features

Quick Research and Answers: Users can search for information or get fast insights directly within the app.
Visual Tools: Use your phone’s camera to snap pictures of handwritten notes and convert them into digital formats, such as Google Docs or Gmail drafts. You can also turn whiteboard charts into polished presentations.
Mobile Accessibility: With the Gemini app, Workspace users can stay productive while away from their desks.

Limitations

While the app provides many useful tools, some features are not yet available:

Gemini Workspace Extension: Features like integration with Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Drive, Keep, and Tasks are still in development.
File Uploads and Gems: These functionalities are unavailable at launch.
Work Profile Support: On Android, the app doesn’t currently support Work Profiles.

Supported Workspace Tiers

Gemini is being introduced to a wide range of Workspace plans, including:

Business Plans: Starter, Standard, Plus
Enterprise Plans: Starter, Standard, Plus
Education Plans: Fundamentals, Standard, Plus
Frontline Plans: Starter and Standard
Nonprofits: Google Workspace for Nonprofits
Add-ons: Gemini Business, Gemini Enterprise, Gemini Education, and Education Premium

Additional details about availability and supported languages are provided on Google’s official pages.

What This Means for Workspace Users

With Huddles, teams can initiate quick, audio-first meetings directly from their chats, making spontaneous collaboration smoother and more efficient. Meanwhile, the Gemini app empowers mobile productivity, helping users research, create, and organize while on the go.

These updates reflect Google’s ongoing commitment to enhancing collaboration and productivity across its Workspace ecosystem, ensuring users have access to intuitive tools that meet the demands of modern work environments.

Related Topics:Gemini Google Google Chat News

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Google

YouTube Music adds new feature to keep song volume steady

Published

1 day ago

April 18, 2025

Tom Carter

YouTube Music is rolling out a new feature called “Stable volume” to make your listening experience better. This option helps keep the sound level the same across all songs, so you won’t have to turn the volume up or down when switching tracks.

Sometimes, songs are louder or softer depending on how they were made. This new feature fixes that by adjusting each track so that all music plays at a similar volume. It’s especially useful when you’re using headphones or listening in the car.

You can find this option in the YouTube Music app by going to Settings > Playback & restrictions, where you’ll see a switch for “Stable volume.” It works for both free and Premium users, and it’s now appearing on Android devices (version 7.07 or later). iOS support may come soon, but it’s not available yet.

This is a welcome update, as many streaming apps like Spotify and Apple Music already have similar volume balancing tools. It helps make playlists and albums sound smoother and more enjoyable without constant volume changes.

So far, the feature is being released in stages, so you might not see it right away, but it should show up soon for everyone.

Android

Android 16 beta adds battery health info, Pixel Fold gets better at detecting opens and closes

Published

1 day ago

April 18, 2025

Tom Carter

Google has released the Android 16 Beta 1 update for Pixel phones, and it brings some helpful new features. One of the key additions is battery health information, which is now available in the settings. Pixel users can now see the battery’s manufacturing date, charge cycles, and overall health score. This can help people understand how well their battery is holding up over time. While this feature is currently hidden under developer options, it might be fully added in a future update.

At the same time, Google is also working to improve the Pixel Fold. With Android 16 Beta 1, there’s a new system that better detects when the phone is opened or closed. This new method uses the hinge angle to more accurately understand the device’s position. Unlike older systems that could be affected by software bugs or slow response times, this new one seems to be more reliable and faster.

These changes are important for people who use foldable phones like the Pixel Fold, as better hinge detection can lead to smoother app transitions and fewer bugs. And for all Pixel users, having detailed battery info can help with managing phone performance and deciding when it’s time for a battery replacement.

Overall, Android 16 Beta 1 focuses on giving users more control and smoother experiences, especially for those with foldables.

Android

Android 16 could bring colorful always-on display to Pixel phones

Published

1 day ago

April 18, 2025

Tom Carter

Google is working on Android 16, and it looks like the update could bring more color to the always-on display (AOD) feature on Pixel phones. Right now, the AOD mostly shows white text on a black screen. But a new setting found in the Android 16 Developer Preview hints at the ability to add colors to this display.

The new feature is called “AOD Preview,” and it includes a switch labeled “Color AOD.” While this setting doesn’t work yet, it suggests that Google might be planning to show colorful content even when the screen is in low-power mode.

This change could make AOD look more lively, maybe by adding color to the clock, notifications, or wallpaper. So far, it’s not clear exactly what will change or how customizable it will be, but the feature seems to be in early testing.

Samsung already has more colorful AOD options on its Galaxy devices, so this update could help Pixel phones catch up. Google often introduces new features first on Pixel devices before making them available to other Android phones.

Android 16 is still being developed, and many features are not ready yet. But if Color AOD becomes part of the final release, Pixel users could get a more vibrant and useful always-on display in the near future.