Google has a reputation for launching and ditching numerous messaging and communications apps over the years. It looks like the search company isn’t giving up yet, as it’s apparently working on a mobile app that unifies various Google services.
According to The Information (paywall), citing several sources who used the app or were briefed on it, the new app is set to be part of its G-Suite collection of enterprise services.
The outlet’s sources say the new app “brings together the functions of several standalone apps the company already offers, including Gmail and its online storage service Drive.” It’s also believed that Hangouts Meet and Hangouts Chat functionality will be offered in this app. The website says you can also launch the Google Calendar app via this new app, but you’ll need the Calendar app installed in order to do so.
News of the app comes as Google’s enterprise services comes under pressure from the likes of Microsoft Teams and Slack. Microsoft Teams in particular offers messaging, online meetings, calls, video chat, and Office365 integration.
In fact, The Information‘s sources specifically say the new Google app is meant to “help it compete more effectively with application suites from Microsoft and others.” This indeed suggests that Google’s unified communications app is a direct assault on Microsoft Teams and Slack.
