Google Chat rolls out long-awaited voice message feature, but only for Workspace accounts

Google Chat has launched voice message support, a long-awaited feature for users. The new feature enables users to send voice notes in individual chats, group chats, and Spaces. The rollout starts today for Rapid Release domains and is anticipated to be fully available to eligible users by April 30. However, initial access will be restricted to specific Enterprise-tier accounts, with broader availability expected in the future.

Users will find a microphone icon next to the image attachment shortcut in the app, which can be used to start voice recordings. Voice messages will be treated as attachments, and administrators will be able to manage them at the domain level. The feature also supports emoji reactions, quoted replies, and threaded discussions.

Google Chat, despite being a messaging-focused platform, has lagged behind competitors like Messenger, Telegram, WhatsApp or Signal, which have offered voice messages for some time.