Google Chat’s latest feature, “Huddles,” introduces a new way for teams to collaborate with quick audio conversations. Aiming to compete directly with Microsoft Teams and Slack, Huddles enables users to initiate spontaneous audio chats within chat rooms, turning text-based interactions into dynamic, real-time discussions. This feature, rolling out to all Workspace users by January 6, 2024, is powered by Google Meet and also allows users to transition from audio to video calls, complete with screen-sharing capabilities, providing a more robust collaborative experience.
Huddles were designed to address a growing need for informal communication that doesn’t require scheduling. Unlike traditional meetings, they allow users to pop into a conversation at any time, making it easier to discuss ideas or resolve issues without the formality of a meeting. The feature’s integration with Google Workspace tools further enhances its appeal, as it facilitates seamless collaboration with other Google apps. Users can join or leave Huddles with a single click, and the interface is intuitive, encouraging frequent use.
However, while the feature appears to echo Slack’s Huddles—both share the same name and function—Google has emphasized ease of use, multitasking options, and noise cancellation. Still, experts are questioning whether this will be enough to outpace the established ecosystems of Teams and Slack, which already have extensive user bases and integrated tools. According to The Verge, although Google is late to the game, the addition of Huddles could make Chat a more appealing choice for organizations already embedded in the Google ecosystem.
As the competition in remote communication tools heats up, Google’s move signals its intention to carve a niche in the collaborative workspace market. However, only time will tell if this latecomer can challenge industry leaders without falling into the trap of copying what others have already perfected.
