Google Chat Rolls Out Voice Messages for Workspace Users

Google Chat has begun rolling out voice messages for Workspace users. The feature allows users to record and send voice messages in direct messages, group chats, and Spaces. A microphone icon is now prominently placed next to the photo/gallery button. Taping it starts recording instantly with no need to hold down on the mic as the software generates a ‘live waveform’ illustrating the user’s voice. Users can then play it back before sending or choose to delete and try again. Voice messages appear in chats as waveforms contained within pill-shaped boxes, which can be reacted to, quoted or replied to like regular text chats. Transcription is set to be enabled in coming months.

Workspace Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Essentials Plus, Enterprise Standard and Enterprise Plus accounts can use voice messages on Android and iOS Google Chat apps with web support coming soon. Free accounts and cheaper Business editions are currently excluded from using the feature.

Sending a voice message instead of typing enables you to save time, convey more information, and emphasize the most important information for the message receiver.