Google’s messaging service Hangouts has received an update for its mobile app. The version 4.0 brought visual changes as well as a better management to the Group SMS and better integration with Google Voice services. Now, they are bringing that service into the web, making it very useful for those users who are not looking at their phones at all times or those who spend a lot of time in front of the computer. There’s already a Hangouts app for desktop use, but this new interface can be accessed from any browser, so there’s no need to install the app on the computer.
The service is launching today as communicated by Hangouts engineer Jordanna Chord; users just need to access hangouts.google.com and they will be asked to sign in or download the app on one of the available platforms, so they can start talking to their friends and family through a Video Call, a Phone Call or a Text Message by clicking one of the three big round buttons. The site was created with Material Design, featuring a round button on the bottom right corner to navigate the page and it uses the same animations that we’ve been used to on the mobile interface. Additionally, a background image will appear that changes constantly.
Once signed in, users are prompted with a couple of screens explaining what they can do from the web interface. Messaging includes conversations with just one person or a group conversation can include up to 100 persons, plus they can include photos, maps, emoji, stickers and GIFs into them. Text conversations can easily become video calls with just one button, again, one-on-one conversations, as well as groups for up to 10 persons are supported. This new interface syncs with all of the devices that have the app across every platform, so the conversation can be continued from any of them. There are additional options in the menu button on the top left corner like links to download the app in a mobile device or the Hangouts Dialer. The Settings menu can be found there allowing users to configure their status, notifications and manage some contacts. The screenshot from Google+ includes some SMS functionality, thus making the new interface a very compelling solution.