Chat and Spaces Overview
Google Chat, previously known as Hangouts, is a Google-developed communication platform designed to facilitate team collaboration. It offers direct messaging, group chats, and dedicated workspaces called Spaces. Access Chat and Spaces by opening a new tab in your browser and navigating to Google Chat, or downloading the app.
- Have real-time conversations with individuals or groups.
- Upload items from Drive or collaborate on Docs, Sheets, or Slides.
- Click on the video icon to start a video call with Meet.
Google Spaces
Google Spaces functions similarly to a discussion board or forum. Each space is managed by an admin or the creator, enabling users to track conversation threads, collaborate on documents, and schedule meetings within the space.
- Collaborate in large groups that can include everyone in your office or another group of people who you frequently work with.
- Search to look up room members, past conversations, and shared files.
Access Options
In your Gmail, click Chat to open the Chat and Spaces sidebar. 
While logged into your App State Google account, open a new tab, and go to chat.google.com to open chat full screen.
Personal Account vs. App State Account
If you are logged into a personal Gmail account in the same browser, you may be redirected to the chat for that account instead of your App State account. See the Google help article Sign In to Multiple Accounts At Once.
Resources
- For general assistance, view Google's Chat Support Page or Learn more about Spaces.
- To learn how to integrate Google Chat and Spaces with Calendar, view Google Calendar Help.
- Visit LinkedIn Learning for Google Chat and Spaces courses and guides like
- Introduction to Google Chat & Spaces (video course)
- Create a Google Space (part of a larger series on using Gmail)
- Introduction to Google Chat & Spaces (video course)
- Contact the Help Desk at 828-262-6266 for tailored assistance regarding Google or submit a Google Assistance Request.