New in Hangouts on the web: Availability indicators, circular profile photos, set your mood and more.
It was only a week ago that circular profile photos in Google+ search results
became a thing, and now squares have been killed in favour of consistency within the Hangouts web interface across Google+, Gmail and the
extension for Chrome.
Of course, the most exciting changes aren't all related to circles; It's now easier to see who's online at a glance with new availability indicators which are also rolling out as part of today's update. These little green dots will be a boon for those who know people that use Hangouts on the web, but not mobile (yes, we don't know why either).
 |
| The Hangouts Chrome extension has also been updated |
Setting a mood is no longer mobile only; it only took Google over half a year to bring this feature to the desktop, after first appearing in Hangouts 2.0 for Android back in
October 2013. To let your contacts know how you're feeling, hit the little arrow and press the button that says "Set your mood for today". Like it says, moods expire after a day (for good reason, probably), so if you fancy, be sure to keep your mood fresh!
 |
| Now put on your sunglasses and select that mood! |
 |
| Setting a mood from Google+ |
Other changes rolling out include message snippets in the conversation list (new for Gmail, not for G+) and a new search icon (replacing the + icon) for you to find someone to start a new conversation with.
What do you think of the improvements to Hangouts on the web?
