Google has rolled out a new update for its Gmail app on both Android and iOS that allows users to make instant calls through the chat tab without first creating an invite link.

The feature, first announced earlier this year, allows users to initiate one-on-one calls within the app by simply tapping the phone or video camera icon in the upper right corner of the chat screen.

The global rollout of this new feature began yesterday (December 6), but not all users have seen or used this update yet. At the time of this writing, we have not been able to test this feature ourselves, but we hope to do so as soon as it becomes available.

Users could already initiate calls within the Gmail app, but previously they had to first create an invite link in Google Meet. This was not always convenient for a quick one-on-one catch-up. The latest Gmail update should make it easier to use and eliminate the need to go back and forth between different apps.

According to Google, once the update is installed, initiating a call from the individual Google Chat app will automatically redirect to the Gmail app.

The technology giant appears to be trying to make Gmail its main communication hub. The screenshots provided by Google show that the update will update the tabs at the bottom of the screen to reflect Mail (email service), Chat, Rooms, and Meet.

If you have already downloaded the Gmail update and are trying to find a way to call someone through the Gmail app, I will now explain how to do so.

First, launch the app, tap the "Chat" tab, and select the group or individual you want to call. Next, look for the Phone and Video icons in the upper corner of the chat. Tap the desired call method and you are done!

You can also join an existing call by tapping the phone or video icon that appears within a one-on-one chat. In the chat tab, you can also see if there are any missed calls with other users. A red phone or video icon will appear under the name of the other user or group.