Google Chat may be getting a WhatsApp Channels-like feature; Know all about ‘Announcements’ | Tech News

Google Chat may be getting a WhatsApp Channels-like feature; Know all about ‘Announcements’

Google Chat is set to introduce an 'Announcements' feature for broadcast communication, similar to WhatsApp Channels. Users will have options for collaboration and announcements in conversations.

By: SHAURYA TOMER
| Updated on: Apr 01 2024, 12:33 IST
From Google Pixel 8a to Android 15, what to expect at Google I/O 2024
Gemini Nano
1/5 Google I/O 2024 time and place: Google has announced that its annual developer conference will kick off on May 14 at 10:30 PM IST or 10:00 AM PT. If last year's trend continues, it is likely to be held at the Shoreline Amphitheater at the Google HQ in Mountain View, California. (Google)
Gemini Nano
2/5 1. Artificial intelligence: During this year's conference, artificial intelligence (AI) could yet again take center stage, especially after Google already made several major AI announcements this year including Gemini and Gemma, its families of Large Language Models (LLMs). (Google)
Gemini Nano
3/5 2. Google Pixel 8a: Google is also likely to showcase its upcoming affordable smartphone, the Pixel 8a. It will be the latest entry into the Google Pixel 8 series which already has the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. In January, an alleged Pixel 8a retail box was spotted online which hints at a Pixel 8-esque design of the rumoured smartphone. (Representative Image) (Shaurya Tomer/HT Tech)
image caption
4/5 Android 15: The Android 14 rollout began last year and more and more devices are getting it. What does this mean? We could potentially see some Android 15-related unveilings or announcements at Google I/0 2024, especially now that the Preview Phase 1 seems to have kicked off. (Unsplash)
image caption
5/5 Other announcements: Apart from this, Google could also make announcements related to its other services including Gmail, Photos, Maps and Workspace. (Unsplash)
Gemini Nano
icon View all Images
A tipster has leaked an ‘Announcements’ feature in Google Chats. Check details. (Google)

In a bid to bolster its presence in the social media market, Google is adding a nifty new feature to its messaging service, Chat. Google Chat, which replaced Hangouts, allows users to stay in touch and collaborate with others on projects. However, unlike WhatsApp Channels, it does now allow broadcast communication. But that is set to change soon as leaks suggest a new ‘Announcements' feature could make its way onto Google Chat.

Also Read: Google set to kill off popular app which has 500 million downloads!

You may be interested in

MobilesTablets Laptops
5% OFF
Google Pixel 7A
  • Charcoal
  • 8 GB RAM
  • 128 GB Storage
5% OFF
Google Pixel 7 5G
  • Obsidian
  • 8 GB RAM
  • 128 GB Storage
56% OFF
Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus
  • Green
  • 8 GB RAM
  • 128 GB Storage
10% OFF
OnePlus 11R
  • Sonic Black
  • 8 GB RAM
  • 128 GB Storage

Google Chat ‘Announcements' feature

According to an Android Police report, tipster AssembleDebug shared details about an upcoming ‘Announcements' feature. In an X post, the tipster said, “Google Chat is working on a new ‘Announcements' feature which will allow you to ‘Broadcast and share updates with your groups'.”

Also read
Looking for a smartphone? To check mobile finder click here.

It means with the ‘Announcements' feature, Google Chat users will be able to select two options when starting a new conversation - Collaboration and Announcements. The collaboration will allow users to “collaborate on projects, plans or topics”. With it, they may be able to assign tasks, share files and organize conversations by threads.

On the other hand, the Announcements feature will bring broadcast functionality, allowing select users to post messages and share updates with the people they want, like WhatsApp Channels. While the tipster said, “There isn't much info about it yet”, a screenshot of what looks like the work-in-progress UI shows how the feature might work.

Also Read: Google Photos introduces Favourite shortcut!

Other features

Google Chat has been getting more and more updates lately, perhaps in a bid to catch up to the competition. In November, Google revamped the navigation system for the Chat app on Android and iOS devices and it brought a pill-shaped navigation bar, allowing easy and quick access to Gmail, Chat, and Google Meet.

In the same month, Google also introduced the ability to comment directly on Docs and Sheets, a feature that helps in collaborative spaces. Moreover, Google now shows more of the content thread to give users more context while replying to chats.

One more thing! We are now on WhatsApp Channels! Follow us there so you never miss any updates from the world of technology. ‎To follow the HT Tech channel on WhatsApp, click here to join now!

Catch all the Latest Tech News, Mobile News, Laptop News, Gaming news, Wearables News , How To News, also keep up with us on Whatsapp channel,Twitter, Facebook, Google News, and Instagram. For our latest videos, subscribe to our YouTube channel.

First Published Date: 01 Apr, 12:33 IST
NEXT ARTICLE BEGINS