Google Hangouts was once a popular messaging and video-chatting app that allowed people to communicate with friends, family and colleagues. It was a cornerstone of the Google Suite and provided an easy way for people to keep in touch with each other. Unfortunately, after more than eight years of service, Google has decided to retire Hangouts in favor of its newer messaging app, Google Chat.
Starting November 1st, 2020, the web version of Hangouts will no longer be available. This means any users who have installed the web version of Hangouts will need to switch to Google Chat or another messaging app if they want to stay connected with their contacts. The Android and iOS versions of Hangouts were retired earlier this year in July.
It’s important to note that you don’t need a Google account in order to join a Hangout meeting—but the person who invites you does need a G Suite account in order for non-Google users to join as guests. So it’s very likely that many people will still be able to use some form of Hangouts even after it’s been officially retired.
Unfortunately, due to the retirement of the service, it is no longer possible for new users to download and install the app. If you’re looking for an alternative messaging platform, there are plenty available on both Android and iOS devices—some that even have features similar or better than what Hangouts offered.
In conclusion, whle it’s sad that we must bid farewell to one of our oldest digital friends—Google Hangouts—it’s comforting knowing that we can find other ways to stay connected easily with friends and family around the world.
Unable to Download the Hangout App
Google Hangouts is no longer available for download, as the platform has been replaced with Google Chat. In order to experience the new messaging and video chat features, you will need to use Google Chat instead of Hangouts. Google Chat can be accessed from Gmail or the Google Chat mobile app.
Source: 9to5google.com
Can I Download Google Hangouts?
No, unfortunately it is no longer possible to download Google Hangouts. The web app was retired on November 1, 2020 and the Android and iOS apps were retired in July of this year. Google is encouraging users to migrate over to its newer offering, Chat, which provides similar features as Hangouts. However, if you already have the Hangouts app installed on your device, you can continue to use it until further notice.
Joining a Google Hangout Without a Google Account
No, you cannot join a Google Hangout without a Google account. However, if the user who invited you has a G Suite account, they can provide you with an invitation to join as a guest. This will enable you to participate in the Hangout without having to create a Google account.
The Disappearance of Hangouts from the App Store
Google has officially announced that they are transitioning from Hangouts to Google Chats as part of their Workspace customers. As a result, the old Hangouts mobile apps have been disabled, and the app is no longer available on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for new users. This transition is part of Google’s efforts to provide customers with a more unified and efficient messaging experience. The new Google Chats app will provide users with more features, such as group video calls, end-to-end encryption, and better integration with other Google services. For existing Hangouts users, they will still be able to use the Hangouts app util it shuts down at the end of 2021.
The Removal of Google Hangouts
Google removed Hangouts due to its declining popularity and usage. The messaging platform was launched in 2013, but its user base had been steadily decreasing due to Google’s frequent changes in its messaging strategy. In 2016, Google Allo was released, providing a more modern approach for messaging and quickly becoming the preferred platform for users. As a result, Google decided to discontinue Hangouts and focus their resources on other products that better meet the needs of their users. The company officially announced in 2018 that Hangouts would be eventually phased out.
Discontinuation of Google Hangouts
Google Hangouts has been around since 2013 and has slowly become outdated as newer technology and messaging platforms have been released. As part of its ongoing efforts to provide users with the most up-to-date and intuitive messaging experience, Google is retiring Hangouts in order to focus on its more modern platforms such as Google Meet and Google Chat.
These new platforms are much more efficient when it comes to features like video call hosting, file sharing, storage of conversations, etc. Google Meet offers features such as secure encryption of calls, meeting recordings, and screen sharing – all of which help make meetings more productive and secure. Similarly, Google Chat allows users to easily connect with their colleagues using a streamlined platform that is integrated into the G Suite products like Gmail and Calendar.
Overall, by streamlining its messaging offerings into two core products – Google Meet and Google Chat – Google is able to provide users with a bettr experience while ensuring data security.
Replacement for Hangouts App
Google Chats has replaced the Hangouts app. Google Chats offers a more intuitive and simple user experience with its modern design. With Google Chats, you can quickly message contacts to stay connected, as well as easily find contacts and join conversations. You can also access chats from Gmail on the web, or download the dedicated mobile app for iOS or Android devices. To enable Chats on Gmail web, go to settings > Chat and Meet > select Google Chat.
The Length of Free Use of Google Hangouts
Google Hangouts is free to use for 1-to-1 video chats for up to 24 hours. Group calls are capped at 100 participants and a 60-minute duration. At 55 minutes, you’ll get a warning message that the call is about to end.
Does Google Hangout App Have a Cost?
No, Google Hangouts is a completely free service. Whether you’re using it to chat with friends and family, collaborate in a team meeting, or host an online event, you don’t have to pay anything. All you need is a Google account to get started. There are no hidden fees or subscriptions required. Google Meet and Google Chat are similar services meant for businesses and part of paid Google Workspace plans, so those services do cost money.
Creating a Google Hangouts Account
In order to use Google Hangouts, you need a Google account. A Google account is free and allows you to access all of the services and products offered by Google, including Hangouts Meet. You can create a Google account with a Gmail address, or by using your existing email address. Once you have an account, you can join any Hangouts Meet by clicking on the link provided in your invitation.
Conclusion
Overall, the Google Hangouts app has come to an end. After a slow death that began in 2021, the Android and iOS apps have finally been discontinued. This means that users are no longer able to download and install the app. In its place, Google has created Google Chat whch can be used by those who have a G Suite account. Additionally, users who do not have a G Suite account can join Hangout meetings as guests with the help of an invitation from someone who does. Thus, Google Hangouts may be gone, but its legacy will live on in the form of Google Chat.
