Google added the ability to make and join audio and video calls directly from the mobile Gmail app on iOS and Android devices.<\/b>
\nFor years, Google was determined to spread its users across as many communication platforms as possible. Hangouts, Allo, Duo, Google Plus \u2013 the company couldn\u2019t settle on a single app, service, or website. But in recent months, Google has finally learned that we don\u2019t want to jump between half a dozen apps to talk to one another. And thus, consolidation began. This week, that process continues. Google is rolling out audio and video calls for Google Chat in the Gmail app on iOS and Android. As of this week, you can start and join meetings and audio calls from one-on-one chats from Google Chat in the Gmail app. For now, this is only available for one-on-one chats, so you\u2019re out of luck with group conversations. If you want to start an audio or video call, it\u2019s very simple. Just open a one-on-one chat and tap on either the phone icon or the video icon in the top-right corner. If you want to join someone else\u2019s call, you\u2019ll see the option to do so within your one-on-one chat with them. Once you start or join a call, you will see a banner at the top of the screen with the name of the person you\u2019re talking to, the duration of the call. You\u2019ll also see a Meet icon in the chat roster. Also, if you miss a call, you\u2019ll see a red phone or video icon next to the caller\u2019s name. These are simple additions, but turn the Gmail app into a one-stop-shop for all your Google Chat needs. Here\u2019s why you might want to use this new feature, according to the Gmail team: If you frequently use Google Chat for work or just to talk to friends, you are going to be on the Gmail app far more often. Google says that from now on, if you select \u201cJoin a call\u201d from the Google Chat app, you will automatically be redirected to the Gmail app. If you don\u2019t have the Gmail app, your phone will prompt you to download it from Google Play or the App Store. Google says this feature will be available by default on Android and iOS devices. You and the person you want to call will both need the latest version of the Gmail app installed. As with many new features from Google, the rollout is going to be gradual. So don\u2019t panic if you can\u2019t find the new icons on your Gmail app. Google began an extended rollout of the update on December 6th. It could take 15 days or more before the feature actually pops up on your phone.<\/p>\n