Hangouts

Google Hangouts is a popular chat and instant messaging app and free cloud service developed and published by Google. Originally introduced to the public as the primary communication backed by the short-lived social network platform Google+, this versatile messaging app was re-formatted into a standalone service that was offered for free to any holder of a Google account. Like many other services offered by Google, Hangouts was also primarily accessible only via web browsers.

Note: Google Hangouts is being upgraded to Google Chat at the end of 2022 for those who haven't already upgraded. Some people may have already moved to Google Chat and may no longer be able to use Google Hangouts on some platforms.

The most streamlined access was achieved utilizing an official Chrome extension application, which integrates with users' browsers and allows quick and easy access to not only text and audio calls feature, but also high-quality video conferencing, sending messages to offline friends, infusing chats with pictures/emojis/animated GIFs, manage notifications, browser chat histories, and much more.

Some of the advanced features include the ability to keep your privacy secure by temporarily pausing history records, transform group chats (of up to 10 people) into a free video-conferencing call, enjoy a text chat with a group of 149 other people, and directly manage phone calls, SMS messaging and voicemail via Google Voice. Users should be aware that this free chat service does not allow its users to set their profile to the “invisible” online status.

The official Hangouts for Chrome browser allows users to handle their chat notifications and access a Google Hangouts interface window even when the Chrome browser is not even open. It is important to note that Google utilizes a unified notification system where the user can see them on a single device, and when acknowledged or dismissed they will be automatically removed from all other devices such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets.

The app's simple messaging window features traditional user lists and a large chatlog area with all the user conversations with an advanced option to pop out the important conversations in their standalone window. All the chat windows can be set in the desired place and size anywhere on the desktop, with full support for multi-monitor PC setups. Since the vast functionality of this app is processed at distant Google servers, the local client that is installed on user PCs is quite small, clocking at less than half a megabyte.

Hangouts is 100% FREE and can be quickly installed on to Chrome browser that receives regular online updates.

Also Available: Download Hangouts for Mac