Google Chat 4+

Disappointing after Hangouts

Google Chat added the ability to have rooms where specific topic threads can be created. That’s really nice and a feature we were hoping for coming from Hangouts. Unfortunately, that’s about where the improvements end. Google Chat is at its best on the mobile app, but if you’re using it regularly, across mobile and in the desktop chrome extension, you’ll quickly see the questionable choices made by the developers. I used Hangouts and now use Chat in a professional environment, for more casual short form comms, and it’s clear after 6 weeks of heavy use that Chat wasn’t designed for anything more than light usage. It’s completely unwieldy with more than 20 active conversations. The alphabetical sorting of conversations means hunting down the person you were just talking to. The conversations are spaced relatively far apart and take up way too much screen real estate. The color scheme is blindingly bright. Et cetera.

If you’re only using the phone app and only for chatting with a limited number of friends socially, which is clearly the use case they have decided to laser focus on, you’ll be fine with it. If you’re on the mobile app only, ok. If you’re hoping to do more with it, you should look elsewhere for a more thoughtfully designed, and scalable, communication method.

Needs a little TLC

I use Chat as the main Communication platform between most of my friends and family. It’s missing some basic features. For example: ability to edit a message after it has been sent. Ability to delete images after they have been sent. Would love to be able to delete a gif that I mistakenly sent. Images are slow to load compared to hangouts. The new spaces feature is handy, but a little confusing. The app is slowly getting better. I can easily send messages from my mobile device or PC. The app easily manages multiple profiles. The search chat feature is nice. I love that I can make a video or voice call straight from the app. Currently on my pc the Chat app shows up as another chrome window rather than a standalone app. Making it really difficult to quickly check messages. Not sure it that is a bug in the app or a new feature. Overall this is a great app with a bug or two and some missing features. Nothing that cannot be fixed in an update.

A Google straight jacket

Once again, I’m waiting a ridiculous amount of time for a friend’s video to upload in Google Chat so I can watch it. I’m so tired of this nonsensical app that I have to say something. Here are all the problems I’ve encountered: - Can’t share files unless they’re in Google Drive (Google trying to limit you to using their products) - Videos are uploaded when you share them, which means it takes FOREVER. Hangouts shared videos right away, so I know they don’t have to do it like this. - Why on earth does it keep a copy of every link or image I send in the chat text box? Why would I want that when it’s right there as the last thing I sent? I hate having to delete it just to continue the conversation. - Separation of individuals and “rooms” confused everyone in my family (we use this as our primary communication). I’m used to it, but toggling back and forth to figure out where the new message is is still a nuisance. - WTAF the computer app isn’t a standalone app! You have to have Gmail open in Chrome to be able to use it even though you have to install it separately. Again, Google trying to keep you tethered to their products. There’s really almost nothing that’s an improvement here. Yes, you can react with emojis, and my mom no longer accidentally calls me when she leaves the chat open on her phone. But the rest of it is so annoying.

Developer Response ,

Hey there. Thanks for your comment. Check out the following article to learn everything about sending and sharing files in chat messages: https://goo.gle/2U4MUr8. Check your internet connection and make sure you have updated the Google Chat app to the most recent version. If that doesn't work, try clearing the app’s cache and storage: Device settings > Applications > Google Chat > Storage > Clear cache. Also, we'll pass this along to the team so they can review and make the Chat app even better. We ask that you submit feedback within the Chat app by clicking the Menu button then 'Help & feedback' and tap 'Send Feedback'. Thank you!