Google is slowly dismantling its Google+ social network by breaking down its best features from the rest so that they can be used even without having to sign up for Google +. This was for Google Photos and now for Hangouts, the chat that allows you to make free phone calls and video calls via the internet.
The best feature of Google+, the Hangouts application, is a message and video-call service that can be used via the web from any PC, and an app for Android and iPhone .
Now you no longer need to sign in to Gmail or Google+ to use Hangouts, just open its website: hangouts.google.com/ .
The new Google Hangouts application replaces the old Google Talk and the Google+ Messenger becoming, in fact, the free Google chat and messages application in competition with Facebook Messenger, Whatsapp, Viber, Skype etc.
In summary, you can use Google Hangouts from any computer by connecting to the website or from Gmail, by pressing the camera button located on the right column, where you can see online contacts in chat.
The application is fast, free and with a really fluid and quality video chat function.
Google Hangouts can be used from the PC without installing anything to chat, text and video, from Gmail and Google+ or even by installing the application for Google Chrome which appears as a chat box and video chat on the right side of the browser.
Once installed, the extension ensures that the user stays in touch with friends even when Google Chrome is closed .
If you choose to stay connected permanently, the extension is activated as soon as the computer is turned on as a system app (with an icon also in the system tray), ensuring that you do not miss even a message.
Of course, to use Google Hangouts you need to sign in with a Google or GMail account.
To start a new chat session (or Hangout), simply type the name of a contact at the top of the window.
You can chat with one person or start a group video conference.
The buttons at the top of the window are used to switch from text chat to video call.
In the text message chat, you can also send photos or one of the 850 available emoticons or smileys.
From the extension settings menu you can configure the chat windows to always stay on top of the other windows.
Google Hangouts is also available as a plugin for Microsoft Outlook, for making video calls.
On the mobile side, Google Hangouts is an application for Android and iPhone mobile phones that requires you to confirm your phone number.
It therefore also becomes an app to send SMS and, above all, with Google Hangouts is can make calls from PC and smartphone at very low rates
Google Hangouts for iPhone
Since there has never been an official Google Talk client for iOS, this application is new.
The iOS app allows you to stay in touch with friends and make video calls with anyone.
With group Hangouts, you can communicate on video with up to ten participants at the same time.
To start a chat, tap the '+' icon from the top bar and start choosing contacts.
The chat history is found by tapping the gear icon in the top bar.
From the same settings screen you can postpone notifications and manage requests received or block users.
It is possible to share photos directly from the iPhone camera or photos already saved in the camera roll.
Google Hangouts for Android Samsung phones and Android smartphones
For Android, the new Hangoout application is an update that replaces Google Talk.
On Android, the app settings are accessible on the main screen.
Unlike the iOS app, Google Hangouts for Android has a button to send Google emoticons, smileys and smileys.
