The Google Hangouts app has been long criticized for its limited functionality that allows users to only make and receive video calls. The absence of a messaging feature in the app is something that users have particularly not been happy about. Now Google has announced replacing Hangouts with Meet where new video call options will be introduced to get rid of the out-of-date group video calls.
Users simply need to update their Hangouts app and the latest version will reveal all the newly added changes. One of the main changes you will notice is that of a notification banner that tells you to make a video call via Google Meet, where the video call feature will now provide a screen-sharing option, live captions, and more.
A ‘'raise your hand’' option will let you be noticed by the moderator if you want to say something but don’t want to interrupt the video chat experience. Furthermore, a ‘'join Google Meet video call through links’' option will also be available.
With the much-awaited messaging feature, users can now send each other text messages while simultaneously being on a video meeting in Google Meet. The option can be used by tapping on ‘'chat’' on the top right corner of the screen while video call is on. You can then type a message at the bottom and send it. One important thing to note here is that once the video call ends, the messages will disappear. If you want to keep the messages, then you will have to place the video call from your web browser.
Another change to Hangouts is that a maximum of 10 participants will now be allowed to join the video meeting in Google Meet. Previously, Hangouts allowed a maximum of 25 participants. If you wish to include more than 10 participants, you will have to use Google’s Paid Workspace for that, which means that it won’t be free of cost.
The Hangouts app will be functional before the mid of 2021, until Google completely shuts it off.
