Google Chat rolls out voice messages to free Gmail accounts

After launching for Workspace earlier this year, Google Chat voice messages are now available for personal Gmail accounts. 

Once rolled out, the send icon is replaced by a microphone in the bottom-right corner next to the gallery. The placement is rather prominent and not hidden away in the ‘plus’ menu with the other Meet link, Files, and Format options.

This immediately starts recording with a compact, pill-shaped UI. There’s a waveform and counter with the red trash icon at the left immediately deleting. The end button is on the other side with the ability to listen before sending.

The sent waveform appears inline and both parties will get a transcript, like in Google Messages, after a few moments. 

Overall, this is a straightforward implementation of voice messages that we’re now seeing for free accounts in Google Chat for Android and iOS, as well as the integrated Gmail experience. (Force stop those apps if you’re not seeing it yet.) Memos are also available on the web with a slightly different UI.

More on Google Chat:

• Google Chat rolling out split pane UI on the web
• Gemini side panel rolling out to Google Chat for Workspace
• Google Chat’s floating bottom bar adding more Material You