Slack beta update brings mobile calling to iOS and Android users

‘Calls’ the Slack alternative to Google Hangouts has been around since last month for desktop users — if your team has it enabled. This month, Slack had been playing around with Calls for mobile devices, a feature that beta users have access to while the rest of the world is still using Google Voice, or (shudder) their phones to make calls.

Slack's mobile calling is ?. Bye, Hangouts. pic.twitter.com/19nEVE5y6O

— Owen Williams ⚡️ (@ow) April 10, 2016

The feature is currently available for Android or iOS users who are in the beta program, and have the most recent version of the app.

To start a call, simply open an individual or group direct message and click the small arrow icon at the top to reveal a menu. Inside the menu, near the bottom there’s a feature that says “Call (user).”

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The feature dropped late last week and for many organizations that rely on Slack — like TNW — the ability to remain within the platform to handle quick inter-office calling and group meetings is definitely a welcome addition.