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Google has released the long awaited desktop application for Chat. In case you are not yet making the best use of it, here is how to get it set up and ideas how it might fit into your toolkit.
Why you would want a desktop app
Why you would want a desktop app
The desktop app has exactly the same functionality* as chat.google.com. That said, there may be benefits in using a dedicated application:
*There are very slight differences in function. The desktop app can display how many unread message threads you have, like mobile apps.
You will no Chrome buttons** such as back and forward, so you will see more chats and your window looks cleaner.
Your Chat window will look slightly differently than Chrome, making it easy to find. For example, it uses the Chat icon instead of the Chrome icon.
You can pin Chat to Windows' start menu, to the taskbar or create shortcuts to the desktop.
If you use a lot of Windows/Mac programs, a free-standing Desktop application might be easier to Alt-Tab to than a pinned tab.
If you like to have Chat in a specific location on your screen (say on your left or your right), or have multiple monitors and always want it visible, this is for you.
How to get started
How to get started
This could not be easier. Just go to chat.google.com - if this is your first time, you will be greeted with a pop-up offering to open this page using Google Chat.
If you don't see this dialogue, either follow the red path on the screenshot or the yellow path.
If everything breaks and you despair, there is a helpful document above that will walk you through every scenario known to yours truly to get you sorted. If that does not sort you out, at least do not tell my boss.
The desktop application is an exciting addition to Chat and gives you much more freedom - give it a try! Chat has seen tremendous innovation in the last months and Classic Hangouts users will barely recognize the service. Thank you for reading!
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