Google has given its web Hangouts a neat update, bringing with it a slew of improvements in the hopes of offering a snappier user experience and a more streamlined look and feel.
Starting on Nov. 9, a small group of Hangouts users should already see the enhancements Google made on the web app. Google promises to expand the update globally over the coming days.
"Today, we're introducing a new calling experience for Hangouts on the web that loads more quickly, renders video more sharply, and streamlines the interface so you can focus less on where to click and more on what to say," explains Eduardo Fernández, a software engineer at Google, in a post.
The modifications Google employed into the web version of the app include:
• A more organized and impressive full-screen interface
• Calls that stay crisper and start more quickly
• A video display which rocks higher quality
• An easier way to invite users' family and friends to their calls
For those who have already upgraded their Hangouts to the new version but still prefer the older look and feel, they still have the option to go back to the older one. Users should simply click the menu at the top-right part of the screen and tap Original version.
Fernández notes that they have been taking advantage of the new calling experience at Google for quite some time now. He hopes users will enjoy the new additions.
It has to be noted, though, that the update is not yet available for customers of Google Apps for Work.
Since it was established in 2014, Google has been constantly improving Hangouts to entice more users into its service. It wasn't too long ago when Google also released Hangouts 5.0, the newest Android version of Hangouts. It comes equipped with a few bug fixes and minor improvements.
Among the remarkable alterations include improved GIF support, a group MMS compose feature and better performance. Google likewise rolled out Hangouts 5.0 for Android in waves.
