We haven’t checked out Hangouts for some time now. The last time was when version 8 was released last March. We didn’t even realize we’re already on version 11 so we’re more than curious to know what Google’s been up to when it comes to this instant messaging service. You see, the search giant isn’t exactly a winner in this category. We know it’s working on a new messaging app which turned out to be Allo that arrived with Duo video calling a couple of months ago.
The Allo is a standalone app which means Hangouts is still alive. Google made it clear that Hangouts is more for the enterprise. It’s now integrated with Work products like Gmail and Docs. If you may remember, Hangouts got a quick reply box in January and we said there might be no more SMS in the future. True enough, Google removed the merged SMS for the simple reason it caused user confusion and not many people really use it. After updating to Hangouts 11 on Android, text and Hangouts conversations will no longer be merged. You will notice the conversation merging is gone.
Good news though, video messaging has been added. It’s a new feature that we really think could have been added way earlier. Video messaging is one common feature that loyal Hangouts users want because it’s pretty convenient when you want to see the person on the other end and have a more direct conversation.
Google is releasing the update for Hangouts incrementally but if you can’t wait, feel free to sideload the APK.
SOURCE: Google
Bring back merged sms/messages. Google just can’t leave an app alone. I love the way Hangouts was before this update. I use it for my GV, carrier number and IM. All it needed to add was video share. ?
Not sure why Google likes to ruin an app that they finally get right. Hangouts was fine. Merged messages was fine.
They got rid of merged messages? Wtf?! Seriously, that was one of my favorite features. What’s the sense of having three different chat options in one app, if they’re all separated…. Oh. And there it probably is. Maybe those removal of SMS features have some weight to them. First separate them, then start giving them the boot. They should just get it over with and let us at least keep our merged Hangouts and Google Voice conversations.
Are you listening, Google? No? Ok.