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Slack for Mac gaining group and one-to-one video calls this week

The popular communication app Slack is rolling out a new feature this week for desktop users: one-to-one and group video calling. Prior to this update, Slack has been limited to text-based chat and audio calling without add-ons.

Slack says the new video calling feature will work similarly to the audio calling capability with direct app integration. One-to-one video calling will be available for free; paid accounts are required for group video calling which supports up to 15 accounts per call.

The announcement adds that third-party services for video calling like Google Hangouts that offer Slack integration will continue to be supported, and Slack groups can set a default call service so Slack’s video calling doesn’t have to take over.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Slack video calling without some emoji included:

Video calling also includes the calls emoji response feature, so without having to unmute, you can use a ✋ to ask a question, add a 👍 to show your approval, or 🙇 to thank people for a job well done. These reactions, along with a few others, will display briefly over your video and play a subtle sound.

Video calling will be limited to the Mac, Windows, and Chrome apps; mobile is not fully supported currently:

On the move? Users on the mobile apps can still join any ongoing video call, but will be limited to sharing and receiving audio.

You can download the latest version of Slack for macOS on the Mac App Store or directly from Slack here. Video calling is expected to roll out this week.

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Avatar for Zac Hall Zac Hall

Zac covers Apple news, hosts the 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcast, and created SpaceExplored.com.

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