This isn't the first time the Hangouts team has been promoting the service on the Hangouts page, a banner has been used to promote the app for Android and iOS devices since April 2014 with the tagline "One place for all your conversations". Once users saw the image, a click of the 'x' would make it disappear forever, well that is until now with an updated version which as far as I'm aware, is unable to be removed.
The updated graphic clarifies the benefits of the service: "Messaging, video calls and voice calls from any device with Hangouts", which is good as the old one was very vague: "Hangouts with your friends, any time, anywhere, free". The new version adds the green Hangouts logo, a new photo of what is supposedly a very, very happy group of friends and family, and a download button with links to all the places you can use the service.
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There are other new banners when switching to the Hangouts On Air and Video Hangouts tabs with some handy tips displayed below, aimed primarily at introducing new users to the array of features available when using the video conferencing side of the software.
All the same widgets on the dedicated Hangouts page are in place, from viewing public Hangouts on Air streams to a single place to see who in your circles is currently inviting you to participate in group video calls. Suggestions for you to Hangout with are also still there, and as irrelevant as always.