Google Chat / Getting started with Google Chat
Viewing Chat in Gmail
With the Gmail Integrated Workspace, you can access Google Chat for 1:1 messages and spaces without leaving Gmail.
Gmail’s new integrated workspace brings together all of your communication tools in one place. Not only can you access Mail from your Gmail screen, but you can also access Google Chat and Meet.
Google Chat allows you to send direct 1:1 instant messages to colleagues, or to start and take part in group conversations with more than one person.
Spaces are persistent areas that a team can access to start and take part in conversations, share files and assign tasks to each other.
Google Meet is a video conferencing service where you can start or join a meeting, invite internal and external colleagues, share your screen, etc.
Setting your chat availability
You can set your avaiability for Google Chat in Gmail using the Active drop-down along the top of the screen.
Click on the drop-down and choose Do not disturb if you want to show as busy - choose the amount of time you wish to show as busy for
Click on the drop-down and choose Set as away if you wish to show as away in Google Chat
Click on the drop-down and choose Automatic to show as online again
Using Chat in Gmail
If the person you want to chat with is listed as a recent contact, you can simply click on their name to show previous conversations and to send them another message.
Click on the + next to Chat to search for people you have not yet started a conversation with.
Spaces in Gmail
Spaces can contain multiple conversations, each with responses, and history is maintained by default and cannot be turned off. You can add and remove space members as required.
Click on a space to view it, add members and start or continue conversations.
