Google Hangouts is now an ‘optional’ in the Google Apps package

Google is “demoting” Hangouts from being part of the core Google Mobile Services apps to become a “GMS Optional for telephony products.” This means manufacturers releasing phones by 2017 (the changes will take effect on December 1, 2016) won’t have to include Hangouts in the core apps included in their phones. The app is being replaced by video calling app Duo. This won’t change the availability of the app. You can still download Hangouts from Google Play Store. And of course some manufacturers might opt to keep the app pre-installed.

It’s curious, though, that Google is opting to replace Hangouts with Duo instead of Allo. But it also shows how Google wants to push its video calling platform.

Source: Android Police

Q&A: More information about Google's Duo video calling app

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Google's release of their Duo 1-to-1 video calling application for Android and iOS device signifies a serious move into the personal communication app space. Looking at rival Apple's iPhone, one of the key applications and features that has made it easy to grow the ecosystem is FaceTime on iOS and macOS devices. Google's Duo is a clear cross-platform move to challenge FaceTime as well as create the foundation for a new class of lightweight and dedicated apps.

I reached out to Google Canada to get more perspective on what Duo can do and what it really means. Below is a transcript of our Q&A.

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