Google has begun rolling out new features for Google Chat aimed at enhancing communication. The updates introduce video messages and automatic transcription for voice messages.
Video Messages in Chat
According to Google, the new video messaging feature helps users “save time, convey more information, and add tone or emphasis.” This feature is beneficial in various scenarios, including:
- Sales or customer support teams providing updates on new features or account changes.
- Executives communicating company-wide announcements or strategic updates, promoting transparency and engagement.
- Team members sharing important updates instead of attending a live meeting.
To record a video message, users will find a record button in the text field that opens a new window.
Key Features:
- Users can preview or re-record their videos before sending them.
- Video messages can be sent in one-on-one direct messages, group chats, and spaces. They can be quoted, reacted to, and replied to just like regular messages.
- Video messages will be stored in the Media section of the Shared tab.
- Users can send video messages from the web and receive them on all platforms; however, the ability to record and send video messages on mobile is currently unavailable.
Voice Message Transcription
In March, Google Chat introduced voice messages, and the latest update adds a “View transcript” button.
This allows users with a paid Google Workspace or Workspace Individual subscription to send voice messages on mobile and web and view automatic transcriptions by tapping the “view transcript” option.
Key Functionalities:
- Users can send voice messages in direct messages, group chats, and spaces, receiving them across all platforms, including the web.
- Users can click “View transcript” to see the transcription and “Hide transcript” to close it.
- For screen reader users, voice transcripts will be available as readable text, adhering to the language settings of the user’s Google Account.
Availability
Video Messages: Available starting October 7, 2024, for:
- Business: Starter, Standard, Plus
- Enterprise: Standard, Plus
- Essentials: Starter, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Essentials Plus
- Nonprofits
- Frontline: Starter, Standard
Workspace admins can disable this feature, which is enabled by default. Note that video messages cannot be recorded on ChromeOS, Linux, or Firefox. Google plans to introduce transcription services for video messages in the future.
Voice Message Transcription: Available starting October 8, 2024, for all Google Workspace customers and Google Workspace Individual subscribers on Android, iOS, and web platforms. This feature will not be available for personal accounts.