We
just announced some new G Suite products and features to help your organization collaborate more effectively and efficiently. As part of that announcement, we
introduced Hangouts Chat as a core service. Below are some admin-specific details about Hangouts Chat to help you get started.
The Hangouts Chat service will launch default on, unless you’ve chosen to
manually opt in to new services. To start using Hangouts Chat on the web, go to
https://chat.google.com. To download the app on your desktop or mobile device, go to
https://get.google.com/chat.
Please note:
- If you currently have forced chat history off, you will need to actively enable Hangouts Chat in your Admin console regardless of your setting for opting in to new services. This is because “room” conversations in Chat always retain Chat history, regardless of your settings, so it's important that you understand this before enabling the service.
- If both classic Hangouts and the new Hangouts Chat are enabled for an organizational unit (OU), the classic Hangouts history on or off settings are used in chats in which participants use a mix of classic and new Chat. If the history settings are different for chat participants of different OUs, the chat conversation can’t be created. Please review your chat history settings for both products (more info).
- If your domain participated in the Hangouts Chat Early Adopter Program, your settings will be retained. These settings will be accessible at Apps > G Suite > Hangouts Chat in the Admin console.
Hangouts Chat is compatible with the classic version of Hangouts, and you’ll still be able to use classic Hangouts—making sure you don’t miss a message from anyone in your organization. All one-to-one direct messages will forward both ways between Hangouts Chat and classic Hangouts by default.
Additionally, if you require Vault support for use of Hangouts Chat, please see
our post for details on that launch.
If you have any further questions, check out the
get started guide or visit the
Help Center.Launch DetailsRelease track:Launching to both Rapid Release and Scheduled Release
Editions:
Available to all G Suite editions except Government
Rollout pace:Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility)
Impact:All end users
Action:Change management suggested/FYI
More InformationHelp Center: Turn Hangouts Chat on or offHelp Center: Sign in to Hangouts ChatHelp Center: About botsThe Keyword: New ways to help teams work faster and smarter with G SuiteThe Keyword: Move projects forward from one place—Hangouts Chat now availableThe Keyword: Meet the new HangoutsG Suite Updates: Google Vault support for Hangouts ChatLaunch release calendarLaunch detail categoriesGet these product update alerts by emailSubscribe to the RSS feed of these updates
