Improvements to mentions in Google Chat

What’s changing

Google knows there are scenarios in which you may want to reference a person with an @mention  without adding them to a conversation in Google Chat. Starting today, when mentioning a user that is not already in the conversation, you will have the option to add them and send the message, or just send the message without adding them.

Google is also adding visual improvements by rendering @mentions as smart chips, which brings them more in line with Drive chips in Chat and smart chips across Workspace.

With simplified colors, your personal mentions still stand out the most and will be easily spotted in conversations, Home and Mentions.

On the web, hovering on the chip will show more information about the person and clicking the chip will start a new 1:1 direct message with them.

Who’s impacted

End users 

Why you’d use it

This feature reduces friction for users by making it easier to provide context when composing messages.

Getting started

• Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
• End users:
  • On the web, go to chat.google.com or Chat in Gmail and type “@[a person’s name or email address]” to mention them. This functionality is supported across 1:1 direct messages, group direct messages, and spaces.
  • Note that you can only add members to a conversation in group direct messages and spaces. In 1:1 direct messages, when you mention someone they are treated as a reference and not added directly.
  • This functionality will roll out on Android and iOS devices in Q1 2025.
  • Visit the Help Center to learn more about someone or adding someone to a message.

Rollout pace

• Rapid Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting on November 27, 2024, with expected completion by December 20, 2025
• Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on January 6, 2025

Availability

• Available to all Google Workspace customers, Google Workspace Individual subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts

Source: Gimasys