Google Hangouts gets official webpage

Here’s one more way to get access to Google Hangouts: its official web page. It’s been four years since the service was launched so it’s a good thing the service finally gets its own dedicated site. You can make voice and audio calls from the site. If you’ve used Hangouts on Gmail before, the interface looks rather similar but with a random wallpaper. The site also shows you links to the Chrome extension and desktop app as well as the mobile apps.

Source: Google | Via: The Next Web

Google revamps and improves Hangouts for iOS

If Google Hangouts on your iPhone has been bugging you a bit, then the latest update should help alleviate your frustrations. Hangouts gets a new look for iOS as it integrates Material Design into its look. The dialer’s design is new. You also get a new quick compose button to make it easier to start up chats with the people you talk to often. It gets easier access to images and emojis. Plus, you can send multiple photos at once, too.

Aside from that, the usual bug fixes and performance upgrades have been applied, too. The app is already available for download on Apple’s App Store. Android users should be getting the latest update soon as well.

Source: Engadget | Download: Apple App Store (Free)

Google offers first minute of international calls for free on Hangouts

Want to say a quick hello to your friends and loved ones who live in a different country as you? Google Hangouts is giving you the first minute free to most calls made in 25 countries. You can only make one call at a time to avail of the free minute. If you are the kind of user who makes multiple calls a day, you might not be eligible for the free call time. You’ll know if the call is eligible when the screen flashes the words “First minute free.” You can make your calls on the Hangouts app from Android and iOS but you will need Google Voice to receive calls, voicemails, and text messages.

This feature is offered in: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Poland, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and United States. Some Canadian and U.S. areas will cost $0.01 per minute depending on the phone number.

Source: Forbes Now

Google brings Hangouts to desktop, adds polls to Google+

Google is rolling out new stuff to its users with new Hangouts desktop app for Windows and Chrome OS users as well as a new polling feature on Google+. Much like other messaging apps on the desktop, Hangouts works independent of a browser and it syncs your notifications and chats with your other devices. You can also make video and voice calls from your Hangouts app.

Google also added Polls to Google+ on Android as well as Google+ on the Web (the iOS version will be out soon). You can add up to five choices and use photos to make your polls more interesting.

Source: Mashable + Ubergizmo