Since the past year, Google has made quite some changes to its
office and communications software suite, Workspace. One of these changes includes
a major one that the company recently announced, which is the redesigning of
Gmail.
The redesigning of Gmail includes the option to “ring” a
person with Google Meet, within the Gmail app. This means that users will be
able to use Gmail for placing calls, and according to Google, the feature will
come to the Meet app in the future too.
By placing greater emphasis on Gmail, Google seems to be
showing how important of a service it is when it comes to the company’s Workspace.
In a way, Gmail is now Google’s equivalent to Microsoft’s Outlook, as it has
become a hub for multiple services like email, one-on-one chats, group chats,
videoconferencing, and even calls now.
Google is also making it easier to find Spaces, Gmail’s group chat feature, by allowing users to search for it as an option, and also adding full support for threaded messages.
Apart from these major changes, there will be an RSVP option
for a meeting invite with an indication of a user’s location. Another feature
that will make an appearance is the Companion-Mode feature, that will let users
log into a meeting on their laptop alongside the main room’s AV system, muted
by default so as to prevent an embarrassing audio feedback loop.
The revamped look of Gmail will be first introduced to enterprise
users in the coming weeks, and later to regular users.
As for the hardware, Google is expanding its Series One line
of Meet-compatible hardware. These devices are designed to fit in with Google’s
design aesthetic and work primarily with Google’s software.
The changes in Google Workspace, especially to enhance
communication, will be much appreciated by companies and users who utilize
various Workspace apps. However, the updates may cause difficulty for those who
want to use Gmail as merely an email app.
