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

Google to kill off Hangouts on Air next month, have users move to YouTube Live

Much like what has happened with Google+, Google is taking some of the best features of its Hangouts on Air live-streaming service and moving them to YouTube Live. Starting September 12^th, if you want to livestream through a Google service, using YouTube Live is the way to go. Google released a walkthrough on how users can make a transition to YouTube Live, including things like starting, scheduling, and controlling livestreams from there.

The native Q&A feature won’t be included in the transition. This time, Google wants broadcasters to use social media or Google Slides’ Q&A feature to communicate to viewers while streaming. Showcase and Applause are also getting cut.

Source: The Verge

Hangouts gets ready for Android N with new update

A new update for Google Hangouts prepares the app for the upcoming release on Android N. The app now brings with it support for the upcoming operating system’s support for inline notification responding, meaning you can respond to messages right from the notification shade. Version 8.0 of the app also brings with it new bundled notifications to Hangouts, too.

Source: Droid Life | Download: Google Play Store (Free)

Google introduces peer-to-peer for Hangouts on Android

As a way to improve call quality on its app, Google Hangouts latest update introduces peer-to-peer connection. This means, you and the person you’re calling will be directly connected to each other and will not be using Google’s servers when possible. This P2P option should improve both audio and video calls for users who’ve had poor connections before. And if you’re worried about security, it appears there isn’t a way for Hangouts to display your IP address.

Google didn’t say what the requirements are to get P2P working but they did say that if there is no P2P connection, you should connect to the company’s servers as usual—which means you may or may not notice any difference at all. It’s initially available to Android but Google plans to bring it to iOS and web as well.

Source: Google | Via: SlashGear