Just last week we reported that the Google Play Store started dropping the requirement of having a Google+ account to review an Android app. Close on the heels of this change comes another — users of Hangouts On Air will no longer be able to use the live streaming functionality on Google+.
That's right, come Sept. 12, Hangouts On Air will find a new home — YouTube Live. On Monday, Aug. 15, Google announced that the service will shift to YouTube Live in a couple of weeks from now.
"Hangouts On Air will move from Google+ to YouTube Live on 12 September. If you want to schedule new Hangouts On Air you will need to use YouTube Live. Events cannot be scheduled on Google+ after 12 September and you will need to move existing events scheduled to happen after 12 September to YouTube Live," notes the company.
The move, which comes as a surprise, suggests that Google is finally looking to consolidate its two live streaming features for future broadcasts.
Google debuted Hangouts On Air in September 2011 for the group video chat for Hangouts on Google+. However, the feature was initially available to a select few. In May 2012, Google made the feature available to all users. In May 2013, the YouTube Live feature made its debut.
What Happens To Event Schedules Now?
Thanks to the change, any future-date broadcast you intend to schedule needs to be done on YouTube Live. Any events scheduled on Google+ post the Sept. 12 deadline will be shut down automatically.
What Will Happen To My Recorded Hangouts On Air?
Do not fret as Google said that these will continue to be available, albeit on YouTube. The event content on Google+ will also be available in the Activity Log, but in a read-only format.
Will Hangouts On Air Cease To Exist?
Hangouts On Air will not be wiped out completely and will exist in some form. However, unlike the past, it will no longer be linked to Google+.
How Do I Set Up Hangouts On Air With YouTube Live?
Step 1: Navigate to the Creator Studio and select the Live Streaming Events option.
Step 2: Click on the New live event option.
Step 3: Choose Quick. Do this by deploying Hangouts On Air.
Step 4: Add a title to your stream.
Step 5: Select the "Go live now" option. Alternately, enter the details to schedule the event at a later time.
Step 6: To broadcast live, use Hangouts.
If you are looking to schedule an event, follow the instructions on YouTube Live support.
Photo: Rego Korosi | Flickr
