What's changing
As previously announced, we plan to switch users from the old electron-based Google Chat app to the new Chat standalone app in March 2021. If you or your users are still using the old version of desktop Google Chat, you should upgrade to the new desktop Chat app before March 30 to minimize any potential disruption.
Who’s impacted
Admins and end users
Why it matters
Last year, we introduced a new Google Chat standalone app. The app is a Progressive Web Application (PWA), which provides a fast, reliable, and engaging way to use Chat on any desktop device with the Google Chrome web browser.
In February, users of the old app started seeing banners prompting them to install the new desktop Chat. Clicking on the banner takes them to chat.google.com, where they see a pop-up nudge asking them to install the new Chat app.
Regardless of whether the new Chat app is installed, users will be able to use Chat on the web at chat.google.com or within Gmail, if permitted by their admin.
Getting started
- Admins: Visit the Help Center to learn more about deploying the new Chat app for your organization.
- End users: Visit the Help Center to learn more about how to upgrade from the old to the new Chat app. The new desktop Chat app will retain all conversation history, so you and your users can start where you left off.
Rollout pace
- The new Google Chat app is available now to all users.
Availability
- Applicable to all Google Workspace customers, as well as G Suite Basic and Business customers