Chat is an extremely important part of Gmail all over the world. Google has made a new update which will allow Gmail users to add status updates in their chat along with active or inactive pre-made templates in order to show their activity. It is a great initiative, considering Gmail is a platform used more for business purposes than any other professional platforms. Here is all you need to know about this update.

updates in Gmail Chat

Add Status Updates in Gmail Chat

This update is only applicable to Android users. This is because Google has always focused more on Androids users than iOS, it is only natural that updates will appear on Android first. Google has not given any update on whether or not it will come on iOS.

Key Takeaways

  • Process is pretty simple.
  • You will find the “Add a status” by navigating through the settings. Then you can see Write your own.
  • You can also select an emoji to add a little zing.
  • You have to enable this feature as it is not enable by default.
  • By following the above instructions you can turn this feature on. Of course, only Android users will be able to enable this feature.
  • This is one among some recent updates of Google including inline threading, presence indicators, and now custom statuses.
  • The statuses include “be right back” that is present for 30 minutes only. Another is “commuting” for an hour.
  • Out sick” is available for 24 hours and “vacationing” is available for at least a month.
  • You have to swipe them off in order to clear them out.

Redesigned chats

  • The redesigned chats only have the option to create custom statuses. This is as of now, available only on the web and not on mobile phones.
  • Gmail navigation is an evident feature of the web but it is yet to come on mobile devices which mean it will take time to come to Android and even more time to come to iOS.   
  • If you want to access this feature you have to enable the integrated Gmail experience. After you turn that on, you can avail all the benefits of and all the great experiences.
  • This chat feature was not available for everyone and is also not available for free users on Gmail.

Related article: Google Chrome 92 Update: All you need to know

Other Updates

Google recently announced that it will end sign-in support for Android devices running on older version of Android. It is sending email to some users saying sign-in will not be supported on Android version 2.3.7 and lower. So, in order to continue accessing Google apps, they need to upgrade to Android version 3.0 or above.

Google said in the email

“Signing in to your accounts on Google Apps will no longer be supported on phones with Android version 2.3.7 or lower starting September 27”.

This means if you are running Google apps on Android version 2.3.7 or lower, you will not be able to access them starting from September 27.

Google said that the move is aimed to

“Help protect your account’s security. Actions like system and application-level sign in will result in a “username or password error”.  

Users can still sign in to their account on the phone’s browser

“If you can’t update your device to Android version (3.0+) you can try to log into your Google account on your device’s web browser. You can still use some Google services when logged into Google   on your device’s web browser”.

Related article: Google Link Spam Update: Here is All you Need to Know

Wrapping It Up

If you haven’t updated your Android device, do it now else you will not be able to access Google apps. So, these were some recent Google updates that you must know. For more updates, get in touch with us.  

Apoorva : I am a writing geek and a bookaholic who is exploring different genres of writing. Currently writing about Information technology, digital Marketing, SEO, latest technology & marketing trends. I am always curious to learn new things so I can enhance my knowledge. I like to maintain authenticity and originality in my writing. I assure my readers that I will try my best to produce the finest content for them.