Gemini AI Assistant and Google Chat Calling Features in Google Workspace

The smartphone app for the AI assistant Gemini is now available for Google Workspace. Users can use the camera to convert handwritten notes into Google Docs or Gmail and transform drawn diagrams into digital graphics. The privacy settings from Google Workspace are applied.

Users can download Gemini for Android and iOS from their respective stores. Already installed apps must be version 15.42 or higher to log in through the Google Workspace account. Currently, not all features of the web version of Gemini are available in the app. Users cannot send files to the AI assistant. Also missing are the theme-based chatbots called Gems, and Android work profiles are not yet supported by the smartphone app.

Within an organization, Gemini is available to all users. Administrators can disable app access in device management. There are no additional settings. The Gemini app is available for all Workspace tiers, as well as customers with the Gemini add-ons Business, Enterprise, Education, and Education Premium. The deployment of the features has already started in both the Rapid and Scheduled Release.

Calling in Google Chat is now possible. Users can start calls with chat partners. These so-called Huddles are available in both individual and group chats and rooms. Although users start the conversation via the video icon, it is an audio transmission by default. Webcam or screen content can be enabled at any time. This allows spontaneous collaborations without having to invite participants to a video conference in Google Meet.

The new Huddles still rely on Google Meet in the background. If the conferencing service is disabled within a domain, users cannot start Huddles in Google Chat. However, users can be invited to a conversation and join it regardless. The calling feature is available for all Workspace editions except the Education tier. The rollout has already started in Rapid Release, and the Scheduled Release begins on January 6.

More information about the Gemini app for Workspace and the calling feature in Google Chat can be found on the Google Blog.