Hangouts is updated with more options to customize notifications

A few weeks ago, Google confirmed that classic Hangouts will be gone sometime in late 2020. That doesn't mean the service will cease to exist, though. Everyone who uses Hangouts will be ported to Chat and Meet, two of the applications the company already uses in the business environment. The good thing about Hangouts is that is constantly being updated and the new version, number 29, comes with interesting changes.

What's new in Hangouts 29?

As we can see in Android Police, there is an avalanche of changes at the level of customization and notifications. Look at the following screenshots.

Notification channels, finally adopted!

In previous versions of Hangouts it was possible to set a different ringtone for calls and messages, but in the latest version this has been made as simple as possible. Now you only have a single switch to activate or deactivate notifications.

Now you will have two channels of notifications, for each of the registered accounts. You will be able to establish messages on the one hand, and calls on the other. However, you will not be able to set a ringtone based on who is calling you (family, friends, etc.).

The option to change the profile photo is hidden

This isn't a big change, but Google has changed the way we change our profile picture. Now you can Manage your Google account, and that's where you can change the photo. If you lose this view option, you know where it is (as on the right).

You can also add your phone number

Another step Google has taken in Hangouts is the ability to add your phone number to your account, so that people can find you more easily and so that Google Photos allows automatic sharing. Outgoing Hangout calls may now display your phone number, but there's also the option to remain anonymous.

To pair the phone, all you have to do is press a few buttons, receive an SMS from Google and enable or disable the number whenever you want. You can even unlink the number at any time, if you think this feature isn't for you.

Among the other details seen in Hangouts 29 is the recognition of Google Fi as a new brand, a detail without much importance in Spanish territory (because this operator has not yet reached the peninsula).

All these new features are about to reach your mobile, if you want to have them before anyone else you should know that you can already download and install the APK , completely securely.

Download | Hangouts 29 (APK)