Google's chat and video call app for Android
The offer of chat, instant messaging, and video call apps is huge. Everyone knows that WhatsApp is in control, but from there on there are loads of alternatives of the likes of Facebook Messenger, LINE, Skype, Telegram, Kik, Snapchat... there are even some aimed at the professional field, as is the case of Slack.
As couldn't be otherwise, Google has also contributed with its own developments. And although it's now trying to boost Duo and Allo to chat and make voice and video calls, we can still use Hangouts despite knowing that it will be shutting down shortly (its API has already been removed).
Present on almost all Android devices
If you use Android, you've probably already got it amongst the pack of applications that Google distributes on these handsets. The latter include Chrome, Google Search, or this messaging app. Its main feature is the fact that we don't need to share our phone number with anyone: you just need to be a Gmail user and use this account to log in.
The app offers us all the usuals we can find in other products of this company. In other words, a functional and straightforward design, almost minimalistic, with fewer frills than other chat apps. However, it comes along with all the basics so we'll definitely find everything we need.
Although Hangouts is shutting down leaving its space to Duo and Allo, it's stil supported by the company
Main features
- Send text messages to your contacts and include photos, animated GIFs, emojis, and stickers to express yourself better.
- Chat in groups with up to 150 people at the same time.
- Make video calls with up to 10 simultaneous users.
- Call any phone in the world using VoIP technology.
- Communicate with whoever you want regardless of the device they use: iPhone, Mac, Windows PC, web browser...
- Connect with Google Voice to integrate calls, SMS, and voice mail.
- Send messages to your friends even when they're offline.
What's new in the latest version
- Bug fixes.
- Removes custom ring and message tones for the classic version.
With a degree in History, and later, in Documentation, I have over a decade of experience testing and writing about apps: reviews, guides, articles, news, tricks, and more. They have been countless, especially on Android, an operating system...
Antony Peel