If you are that kind of a Gmail user, who likes chatting and talking to other people, even in the most restricted conditions, like in an office, then this article is just what you need.
If this is your type, then think of this scenario: you are presented with a platform you can use to keep talking to your friends, even if the environment is very strict; just like an office is. Wouldn’t this be some form of newly discovered heaven for you? Of course it would and this is because you won’t have any needs of frequently checking your phone and typing messages to respond to your friends and risk being noticed by your boss or those not so friendly workmates, who might pass on such information to higher ranking officials of the company.
Chatting with Convenience
Thanks to Gmail, you can now chat without necessarily having to look away from your desktop. Google Talk is an instant messenger from Google that was recently replaced by Google Hangouts. However, the application is still available for use and while it is, you have to ensure to make the most of it. As much as you may want to update to the latest version of Google Hangouts that offers users with an array of new features that include voice and video calling, if you are looking to keep your chats at a hush-hush level while working, it is better to skip the update and instead stick with using Gmail Chat.
Gmail Chat Requires no Software
One good thing about using Gmail Chats is that it requires no software to be installed, before using. However, you can choose to install the Google Talk Messenger which is an independent application that can also be used for chatting purposes once installed on your PC. This would however be completely unnecessary, since you can get this same service right from your inbox.
The advantage of using this feature from your inbox is that no suspicions would be raised as you won’t have to type or look away from your PC. You’ll appear to be typing an email, yet you are chatting with your friend. In addition, all conversations made in chats are free of any charge.
Gmail Chat Prerequisites
In order to use this feature, the first thing you need to have is a Gmail account. This is of course if you are new to Gmail. Once your account is active, on the left hand side of your screen, you should be able to see that you are automatically signed in to Gmail chat. In addition, you can see a list of persons in your contacts and when you select on any of them, a window will pop up from where you can start chatting one on one with your friend.
Setting Status Messages in Gmail Chats
Just like with WhatsApp, you can set a status message for your friends to see as well as see your friends’ status too. It is possible to set a custom status and to do this, look on the left of your window and from there; you can access a drop down menu that has various options for status messages, including “Available”, “Busy”, “Invisible”, as well as “Custom messages”. You can choose any of the default options and set as your status message or choose to create a custom message to fit your direct needs. Choosing the invisible option will make you appear as if you are not logged in while using the “Busy” option will ensure that you receive minimal disturbances when online. The “Available” status will let your friends know that you are available for chat.
All of these status messages have a representation. A green dot means that one is online and available for chat while a red dot means one is busy. When an orange dot appears, it means a user is not at their desk or away from the screen. When you choose to hide your status and go invisible, the dot that comes out is colored in grey. In this way, your friends will know that you are offline.
You can also make voice and video calls using Gmail.
Post a Comment