Hangouts for iOS will be the first platform to a get a significant new feature, free phone calls. Could be the start of Google Voice merging with Hangouts?
Today, Google+ Hangouts for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch has been updated to version 1.3. The new app includes the recent Android improvements, such as an improved 'New Hangouts' screen showing you your contacts who are available to Hangout with.
In addition, Incoming messages will no longer stop your music. Hangouts will now temporarily lower your music, then crank the volume back up after your call. Finally, animated GIFs will now play in-line.
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| Make phone calls directly from Hangouts on iOS |
Hangouts for iOS has been updated to bring it inline with the latest changes to Hangouts on Android, plus support for free phone calls and animated GIFs. This could mark the start of Google Voice merging with Hangouts.
Today, Google+ Hangouts for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch has been updated to version 1.3. The new app includes the recent Android improvements, such as an improved 'New Hangouts' screen showing you your contacts who are available to Hangout with.
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| See who's online with new status icons. |
The major new feature is the start of integrating Google Voice into Hangouts. Début on iOS, users can now make phone calls within the app. Similarly to Google Voice, phone calls are free within US and Canada, with International calling is at a very low rate. In addition, If you're a Google Voice user, you can make and receive calls from your iOS device with today's update. Outgoing calls will come from your Google Voice number, and incoming Voice calls can be answered from Google+ Hangouts. However, you won't need a Google Voice number to use this feature.
Hangouts was launched to consolidate all of Google's messaging platforms. Google Talk and Google+ Hangouts video chat service was merged to create Hangouts, offering a superior messaging platform. With the rumoured SMS messaging integrating into Hangouts and now with Google Voice calling added to Hangouts on iOS, we are now finally starting to see Google's ultimate aim for Hangouts.
In addition, Incoming messages will no longer stop your music. Hangouts will now temporarily lower your music, then crank the volume back up after your call. Finally, animated GIFs will now play in-line.
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Mr. Google+ Vic Gundotra has taken to Google+ promising Voice integration soon for Android.
Guys, don't worry. We have massive investment in Android. I promise you will be happy soon. Don't get upset because we show some love to Google users who use iOS. There are a lot of them. And they are good people :-)Which part of this recent update are you most excited about?