FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(JRAM Asia, Ortigas – July 13, 2021)
On August 16, 2021, Google will start upgrading users who have the “Chat and classic Hangouts” setting to a “Chat preferred” option, unless explicitly opted out by the user. Read more here.
Google chat will replace the classic Hangouts as the default chat application for affected users, starting on August 16, 2021 and will take up to 2 weeks to complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I use Google Chat?
The Chat preferred setting allows you to migrate all of your users at once for the most effective and seamless transition. If some people use classic Hangouts and others use Chat, it can lead to missed messages and become burdensome for admins. And if you have a remote or distributed workforce, unifying your users onto a single chat network can help everyone communicate successfully.
You’ll also get access to exciting Chat features within Gmail in your browser. These include:
- 1:1 and group direct messages
- Full-screen rooms
- Bot integrations
- Forward to inbox
- Emoji reactions
- Message edit and delete
Am I Impacted?
Yes, only if you are using the classic Hangouts option.
What do I need to do if I am impacted?
Google chat is enabled by default in Google Mail. No further action is required.
How do I get Google Chat?
It’s important to do the following before August 16, 2021 as classic Hangout apps will stop working:
- Explore the new Web experience at chat.google.com.
- Download the new mobile app for Android or iOS.
- Download the new standalone desktop app if you’ve been using the classic Hangouts Chrome extension or app. You can access the desktop app from a prompt that appears in chat.google.com
- On August 16, 2021, refresh your Gmail to get the new Chat in Gmail experience.
Where do I go for help?
- For more information about the new Chat, go to the Learning Center.
- Our help desk is ready to answer your questions.