WhatsApp or Hangouts

As for messaging applications there seems to be no doubt about the reign of WhatsApp And it is that, perhaps because it is the first, it has managed to win the title of the most used throughout the entire planet. However, that doesn't mean there isn't room for just as many communication tools that manage to carve out a niche for their exclusive functions or unique possibilities.That is why we must keep in mind other alternatives as powerful as Hangouts, the messaging application of Google Here we compare it in detail against the hegemonic WhatsApp

Design

One of the keys to the success of WhatsApp is, without a doubt, its design. Although it has not always been visually too attractive or has respected the stylistic canons of the moment, it has always focused on offering a visual aspect that respects the simplicity of its operation Thus, apart from allowing customization of backgrounds of conversations (the same for all) , it does not have options to change the design or appearance of its menus and tools. Just a profile that can be edited with a photo, and a status phrase Issues that have changed most recently since the arrival of iOS 7 and the latest versions ofAndroid, respecting that concept of colorful minimalism.

But if WhatsApp is simple in the design aspect, the application Hangouts is much more so. And it is that it carries with it the design minimalist to the extreme of Google Something that can be seen in chat screens with neutral colors that do not stray too far from the white background and messages that they do offer some different tone to distinguish those sent from those received. All this always showing the photo of the interlocutor or contact with whom you are speaking, but without the possibility of customizing any aspect beyond the notification tones. A tool that demonstrates its intention to offer all the weight on the functionality, leaving the design at a point that seeks to respect the aesthetic butwithout attracting attention Something in which both applications are quite similar.

Functioning

At this point things begin to differentiate between WhatsApp and Hangouts Thus, the former is well known for needing to know the telephone number of other people to be able to contact them and send all kinds of messages. And it is not only the text that has the leading role in WhatsApp The photographs and videos also are contents that can be sent through this application, without forgetting the location, the contact cards , audio files and messages Push To Talk Issues that stop sending other types of files, always keeping in mind the limitation of 16 MB per video or photo that can be sent byWhatsApp

However, Hangouts takes a more professional side than WhatsAppSomething that may have a lot to do with the fact that users are contacted by email, beyond having their phone number. Or also through those people added to the circles of the social network Google+ Issues that They have a common denominator: having a Google user account Quite a utility to contact a person, but it offers power to strangers send messages just by accessing their profile after a search in the search engine of Google of that person.

Apart from this, Hangouts focuses on conversations or instant messaging chats A tool that offers to send free messages over the Internet and, after the latest updates, also SMS messages In this aspect it has nothing to envy to WhatsApp since it offers unlimited messages and with the possibility of entering emoticons, sharing photographs or even the locationHowever, sending videos is ruled out. Otherwise, Hangouts has a very practical video calls service, being able to create conferences between two or many more contacts at the same time.

In both applications they have notifications instantly, the possibility of customize the sound of these, or the option to block unwanted users. Basic questions for any messaging application.

Security

It is always a controversial aspect. Something in which WhatsApp ends up attracting attention, and not exactly for a good reason. And it is that there are numerous cases of vulnerabilities discovered in the operation of this tool. Issues that are usually quickly resolved with new updates and that, in most cases, are very difficult problems to exploit.In other words, they require a specific situation, knowledge, and tools to take advantage of. Some of these problems discovered by security experts allowed to change the sender and content of a message Again, issues that have not become generalized or affect large groups of users.

In this regard, the tool of Google has not stood out yet. Only on one occasion when some strange behavior of the application caused some messages sent to a specific contact to reach other conversations not related However, no problems have been discovered that could jeopardize the security or privacy of its users.

Strengths of Hangouts over WhatsApp

First of all, it should be noted that this is a completely free toolA messaging application that can be accessed simply by having a Google account (either the social network Google+, Email Gmail or any other service). This way you don't have to depend on subscriptions or make payments of any kind

Using the same Google account also represents an interesting point in the field of technological convergence and multiplatform Thus, it is possible to access conversations, updated instantly, between smartphones, tablets and computers Of course, no It is present on all mobile platforms as WhatsApp But it can be used from the comfort of a computer

Without a doubt the videoconferences between several users is another of the relevant points in which Hangouts stands out above WhatsAppAnd it is that although it has the possibility of sending broadcasts, it does not have the possibility of sending video in real time to several users at the same time.

It is also worth noting the privacy that this tool offers. And that is, unless the email address is offered or direct contact is activated through Google+ , no other person can start sending messages freely. Something that does happen in WhatsApp if the phone number is known. Also, if this happens, it is always possible to reject contact with that user from the first moment

Other advantages of Hangouts over WhatsApp is the possibility of archiving conversations Thus, the user can store those that he does not want to keep on the main chat screen but without having to delete them.A convenience so as not to saturate the application with conversations. However, this is a point that WhatsApp is also working on as discovered in a update of its beta version or

Finally, we must talk about the exclusive feature of Hangouts in conversations that rivals the famous Double WhatsApp check Thus, instead of knowing when a message has been received by the other contact, in Hangouts shows the translucent image of the interlocutor in the last message read In this way it is possible to know how far the conversation has continued. Something really useful in group conversations, being able to know who doesn't know a news item yet or has seen the last message sent.

Strengths of WhatsApp over Hangouts

Without a doubt, the largest number of users of WhatsApp is what automatically transforms it into the communication tool most used. And it is safer for any family member, friend or even company to be available through your account WhatsApp and not so much through Hangouts Something that is closely related to his fame, which makes many of the Android device users may not know they have Hangouts pre-installed on their terminal.

Despite not being multipataform, the determination of its creators to be present in the different mobile operating systems has made it a very widespread tool in both developed and underdeveloped countries. Another point that gives it fame and global recognition, in addition to its large number of users, which already exceeds 500 million worldwide

Lastly, the ability to share all kinds of content such as photos and videos offers more versatility to your users.Something that is used for group conversations or broadcasts, creating sense of community and a platform to share viral, humorous or even advertising elements. A matter far removed from Hangouts which, due to its more private or clean nature seems to be focused on the professional sphereor more formal than WhatsApp

Conclusions

In short, two tools that can coexist in the market of messaging applications And they have very different objectives and possibilitiesWhatsApp continues to be the most chosen option for communication day to day with family and friends, but Hangouts offers video conferencing and a formal style very useful in the professional field.All this with your privacy and security, as well as the convenience of using it from any type of device and without any type of cost