Google may be known for so many amazing technologies, and chat applications are definitely not one of them. The company is yet to release products close to challenging the likes of WhatsApp, Telegram or Messanger. Despite that Google has one too many chat applications on the market including Google Meet, Google Chat and Duo.
Google has confirmed there's a bit of some unification going on with its various communication services. One important thing to note is that Google isn't unifying all of its messaging apps into one offering, at least not yet. Soltero explained to The Verge that Google believes that "people make choices around the products that they use for specific purposes." He also added there are plans to modernize [Hangouts] towards Google Meet and Google Chat
Here's Google's official statement on putting Soltero in charge of all of its communication apps:
We are bringing all of Google’s collective communication products together under one leader and unified team that will be led by Javier Soltero, VP and GM of G Suite.
Javier will remain in Cloud, but will also join the leadership team under Hiroshi Lockheimer, SVP of Platforms and Ecosystems. Outside of this update, there are no other changes to the personnel and Hiroshi will continue to play a significant role in our ongoing partnership efforts.
Given how confusing Google's messaging strategy has been, it will be interesting to see how Soltero handles the various chat apps from the company going forward. One thing is clear though, nothing is going to happen in the short term though as Soltero has clarified.
This move could also mean a better presentation of their communications apps that might help you figure out which of them you should use. I just hope it means Google Inbox returns. [patiently waiting].