Slack is getting Discord-like audio calls

Slack introduces Huddles. These are Discord-like spaces for audio conversations, where employees within a Slack organization can jump in and out at any time. The feature is currently rolling out to paid Slack teams.

In a blog post Slack states that the function is intended, among other things, for quick consultations, which do not necessarily require an extensive meeting to be scheduled. According to Slack, the feature can also be used to have spontaneous and informal discussions and conversations, without having to schedule a meeting. That should be comparable to the spontaneous conversations that colleagues also had with each other in the office before the corona pandemic.

With Huddles, Slack says it wants to lower the threshold to start audio conversations with each other. With one click, a meeting can be started in any channel or DM, including the channels you share with people outside your company. Everyone in that channel is free to join and leave the conversation as they please, as if they were passing by run a desk,” the company said. Webcam images are not supported, but users can share their screen, for example to hold presentations.

Slack also talks about new features to share video and voice messages with colleagues, as an alternative to “endless meetings and conferences.” For example, the company states that employees can record their pitches or ideas, instead of scheduling a stand-up meeting. This feature will be available to paying Slack users in the coming months.

Source: Slack