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An instant message and video conference software for both Android and iOS operating systems

An instant message and video conference software for both Android and iOS operating systems

Vote: (293 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: Google

Version: 2020.803.419.1

Works under: Windows

Also available for Android

Vote:

Program license

(293 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

Google

2020.803.419.1

Works under:

Also available for

Windows

Android

Pros

  • Up to 150 people on group chat
  • Dependable video conferencing calls
  • Free international phone calls to the United States
  • Integrates seamlessly with other Google apps

Cons

  • Must always keep Chrome open

For those curious about Google Hangouts, you should understand how this instant messaging and video conferencing service through Google can help you. First, you have wide availability through Gmail, Google+ and mobile apps made for the Android and iOS. You can download the Google Chrome extension to chat with contacts right from your Windows desktop.

Who Should Use Hangouts?

Anyone who wants a fast and convenient platform for instant messaging will find value in Google Hangouts. You can easily access chatting with friends right from your email, which means anyone with a Gmail account can make easy use out of hangouts. Another person who might want Hangouts includes the person who belongs to a group conversation. Hangouts can work as either a one-on-one conversation, or you can host up to 150 people on the chat.

Video Conferencing

Along with group chat of up to 150 people, people have also made video conferencing calls with as many as 10 people simultaneously. Meanwhile, it doesn't even matter what device you have decided to connect on. Video calls will open a larger window to give you access to all the features and apps associated with video calling. In fact, the video conferencing service integrates seamlessly with the Google Drive and Youtube apps to add visual effects. Perhaps you have entered an important business meeting where you need to share documents from Google Drive. It becomes simple on Hangouts.

If someone doesn't know how to access the video conference, you can share a link with them in the chat box to help them access it more easily.

Intuitive Interface

Google Hangouts embraces a minimalist approach to their interface. It's wonderfully non-obstructive, and you can navigate the features almost seamlessly. The most essential features like instant messaging happen through the main window, and you will see a list of your contacts. For those with many contacts, you can find the desired friend you want to chat with through the search engine to quickly find their name.

International Phone Calls

What many people don't realize is how instead of using a phone to pay for expensive $0.25 a minute international phone calls, you can call to the United States for free. Meanwhile, the cost to send calls out to other countries like Jamaica and Brazil come with a lower cost than international calling, and because you buy on credit, you don't have to worry about an expensive multi-thousand dollar phone bill bill surprising you at the end of the month.

Overall, Hangouts provides us with an excellent instant messaging platform. You have many conventional features, and you have virtually no drawbacks to using the app. Just log into Google and start sending instant messages, emojis and images to your friends and family.

Pros

  • Up to 150 people on group chat
  • Dependable video conferencing calls
  • Free international phone calls to the United States
  • Integrates seamlessly with other Google apps

Cons

  • Must always keep Chrome open