Hangouts 14
If you thought Google forgot about Hangouts after the arrival of Google Allo, you are wrong. Although not too much. And it is that the original messaging application of the search engine company continues receiving improvements and updates, although with droppers and without being really flashy. Necessary adjustments before the arrival of Android 7 Nougat, and some design changes that this application of messages, video calls and stickershas been crying out for some time.
This is version number 14 of the Hangouts application for the Android platform In it we find important new features, especially if we have in account the rate of updating and changes of this tool, which is practically nil. Naturally, Google is fine-tuning things with the arrival of Android 7 Nougat , the latest version of your operating system, and has prepared this application for the use of its unique functions.
On the one hand there is support for multi-window After so many years talking about multitasking, it finally becomes a reality in a way palpable and realistic. It consists of splitting the screen in two and keeping two applications open and active at the same time Something that requires having the latest operating system from Google and applications compatible with This function.From now on, Hangouts is one of those apps.
Support for desktop shortcuts is also here, although many asterisks should be placed after this new feature. First of all, you have to understand that they are only being implemented in the latest version of Android Secondly, you should know that they only work with the launcher or mobile environment Pixel recently launched by Google With these new desktop icons it is possible to launch conversations or video calls before even to access the application. Of course, if you have configured the application to make use of SMS, Hangouts will not distinguish between them and free messages over the Internet. Another negative point is that, if you use several Google accounts, it will be necessary to choose between one and the othereach time an action is performed.
Apart from these functional innovations, Hangouts has tried to reorganize its menus A detail that cannot be considered visual, since it does not change its appearance at any time, but it can be more comfortable for users. Simply display the usual menu from the three dots button to find sections that now appear separated as People and options, and a smaller number of items. In other words, a fair and necessary rearrangement for the comfort of all.
In short, Hangouts is still alive and kicking, albeit setting its own pace. Important news are coming, but not all that should be (support for pasting GIFs from the keyboard is still expected), and without visual changes that attract attention and restore interest in this application.It seems that Google will continue betting on Allo and leaving Hangouts for areas less concerned with aesthetics and the news. The new version of Hangouts has already been released free via Google Play Store It will arrive in the next days to all users Android