Robert L. Ohlson Robert L. Ohlson 
The Huddles audio chat feature on Slack has been a popular way to have informal conversations. It was launched last year and is now used by millions of people every week. Slack also announced at this week’s Frontiers conference that it plans to add video and screen sharing functionality to huddle calls. Rob Seaman from Slack’s senior vice president for product said that the audio option will continue to be the default when starting a call.
Slack Huddles audio allows users to start audio meetings with colleagues via channel conversations or direct messaging by clicking the “headphones” icon in the left-hand bar. This may be sufficient for some conversations. However, the new Slack Huddles functionality will allow users to switch to video calls for up to 50 people. You can also separate the video feed to allow you to multitask and send messages while on a call.
Screen-sharing will enable two participants to simultaneously share their desktops on the huddle call. Seaman envisions huddle screen sharing as a useful tool for product teams that meet briefly via a screen to discuss various versions of a design or sales staff who need to quickly compare contract proposals.
Slack is also adding a persistent messaging thread to the right side of the screen for huddle meetings that allow users to file and link sharing. All messages, interactions, and other information are saved to the Slack channel (or DM screen) where the huddle meeting was started.
Slack Connect will allow screen and video sharing, just like huddles audio. Clients and external collaborators can also access Slack Connect to make video calls and share screens.
Businesses may not be suffering from a lack of screen sharing and video after two years of remote working. Slack already offers its native capabilities and many third-party options. It’s also a focus area for Microsoft.
Seaman said that Slack Huddles audio makes it easier to have informal conversations without the need for a lengthy video call. Businesses may not be experiencing a shortage of screen sharing and video after two years of remote working. Slack already offers its native capabilities and many third-party options. It’s also a focus area for Microsoft.
He explained that it is not necessary to go into calendars to find a slot, or to have a 30-minute meeting you feel obligated for. An average huddle call lasts 10 minutes. “So that’s 20 extra minutes that you are saving ostensibly over a scheduled 30-minute meeting.
Wayne Kurtzman from IDC, research director, stated that “people use social applications which are increasingly audio-and video-heavy.” “Adding video and screen sharing to Slack Huddles audio is a great way to have the informal meetings we have in real-life.”
GovTrack is also available to all users, which was announced before the Slack Frontiers event. Slack had the opportunity to preview GovSlack last year. This collaboration tool allows public sector organizations using Slack Enterprise Grid plans to meet strict government compliance requirements. GovTrack runs on a separate instance in Slack’s Amazon Web Service-hosted cloud data centers, specifically AWS GovCloud (US).
