The transition from Google Hangouts to Google Chat has been a topic of discussion due to the difference in features. To address this, Google has introduced a new feature for the app. Users can now set a custom status on Google Chat and Gmail, including on Android devices.
Initially, this feature was mentioned in the ‘Spaces’ update expected to be released to users this summer. However, the custom status option is already live on Gmail and Google Chat. With this feature, users can include emojis, custom text, and set specific dates for their status. While this feature was available on the web versions earlier this summer, it has now been rolled out to all Android clients.
The process of setting a custom status has been simplified by developers. In the Google Chat and Gmail web app, users can set their status by clicking on the option in the top right corner. Along with the typical status options like ‘Do Not Disturb’ and ‘Away’, there is now an additional choice called ‘Add a Status’ for creating a customized status. Users also have the ability to schedule a time for the custom status to be cleared, which is beneficial for setting vacation statuses and notifications.
When a status is set on one app, such as Google Chat, it will automatically sync to Gmail as well. The status will be visible in both apps once set. Although it took about a month and a half for these features to be introduced on Android versions after being available on the web, it’s a positive step forward, especially with the transition from Google Hangouts to the Chat app underway.
Closing thoughts
After a considerable wait, Android users can now enjoy the feature of setting custom statuses on Google Chat and Gmail, allowing for the inclusion of text, emojis, and specific times. It will be interesting to see if Google plans to introduce more features to the Chat app going forward, particularly with the aim of transitioning users from Hangouts.
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