Key Points:
- Google Chat spaces can now accommodate a whopping 500,000 members, ideal for large organizations with global workforces.
- This massive increase in capacity surpasses competitors like Slack and Teams, solidifying Google Chat’s position for enterprise communication.
- Google Messages gains a dedicated button for the AI-powered chatbot Gemini, offering quicker access for streamlined interactions.
Google’s communication suite is receiving a double dose of innovation. Google Chat, a cornerstone for Google Workspace users, is witnessing a significant boost in its ability to manage large-scale communication. Meanwhile, Google Messages is getting a usability upgrade with faster access to its AI assistant, Gemini.
Chatting with the Masses: Google Chat Now Supports Up to 500,000 Users in Spaces
Following the retirement of Hangouts, Google Chat has emerged as the go-to platform for text-based communication within Google Workspace. While Google Meet caters to video conferencing, Chat focuses on threaded conversations, making it ideal for ongoing collaboration.
Last year, Google raised the user limit for Chat spaces from a modest 8,000 to a more substantial 50,000. Now, they’re taking things a step further by allowing a staggering 500,000 members within a single space. This expansion caters to the needs of multinational corporations with geographically dispersed teams, facilitating seamless communication across the globe.
This extended capacity sets Google Chat apart from competitors like Slack and Teams. Additionally, Google Chat seamlessly integrates with other Workspace apps, offering a unified communication experience.
Swifter Interactions with Gemini: Google Messages Gets a Dedicated FAB Button
In May 2024, Google introduced Gemini, its AI-powered chatbot, within Google Messages on specific devices. Now, accessing Gemini is becoming even more convenient thanks to the introduction of a dedicated floating action button (FAB).
Previously, users needed to compose a new message and select Gemini from a list. This new FAB button provides direct access, streamlining the process and reducing the number of taps required. However, it’s important to note that this functionality currently appears limited to users with RCS messaging enabled and those logged into their personal Google accounts. Additionally, your device’s language must be English (or French in Canada) and have at least 6GB of RAM.
There’s room for further integration, though. While the FAB offers quicker access, Gemini’s current capabilities within Messages are somewhat restricted. Since it can’t access your existing messages, its suggestions are limited to the prompts you enter directly. This essentially makes it another way to interact with the chatbot, albeit with responses tailored for shorter RCS chats.
Ideally, future updates will allow Gemini to delve deeper into Google Messages, enabling it to analyze your message history and provide more relevant and personalized suggestions. This would unlock the true potential of Gemini within the messaging app.
