Google Hangouts for desktop is a free communication platform that combines what was previously known as Google Talk, Google Plus Messenger and Google Plus Hangouts feature.
Unlike Google Duo, which is designed exclusively for video calls, Hangouts is also a messaging service that allows you to send text messages, photos and videos., including the ability to make non-video phone calls.
Text chat, voice or video with your Google contacts
Google Hangouts Desktop is a messaging tool that allows you to send text messages (up to a maximum of 150 people at the same time in group chats) and make video and audio calls from the browser (with a limit of 10 people).
Previously, there were two versions of Hangouts for business included in the G Suite package: Google Hangouts meeting Y Chat the Hangouts the Google. However, the Hangouts brand has disappeared from G Suite and the services have been renamed. Google Meet Y Google Chat respectively.
In consecuense, now only the classic version remains for individual users with a free Google account.
Its interface is similar to that of Facebook Messenger Desktop, with contacts on the left side and chats on the right side. From here you can send text messages, emojis, stickers, as well as photos and videos. Unfortunately, does not support sending documents.
What's more, has some benefits, What do not limit the time of group video calls, share the screen and be a completely free service. Although calling mobiles and landlines has a cost.
On the other hand, has the disadvantage of not being completely safe, as it does not have end-to-end encryption. Instead, messages are encrypted “In transit”. This means that they are only encrypted between your device and Google's servers..
How to use Hangouts on PC
As we mentioned earlier, Hangouts doesn't have a Windows app, al like Facebook Messenger o Zoom, for example.
Instead, has a web application and a extension for Google Chrome, which is the one we recommend to use and the one you can download from this page.
With this extension, Google Hangouts will run in a separate browser window and look like a PC program.
Its features and benefits include the ability to make free video calls; share screen; send emojis and stickers; and the possibility of calling landline and mobile numbers upon payment.
What's more, you can use Google Hangouts in other browsers, like Firefox or Microsoft Edge, if you access your official website. It also has apps for Android and iOS.
Characteristics:
- Show the last time you were active
- Show what device you use (telephone, tablet or computer)
- Mute notifications
- Launch Hangouts when Chrome starts
- Show a preview of new received messages
- Convert text to emojis
- Pass a chat to an external window
- Video calling with no time limit with up to 10 people
- Block people
- Ability to share screen.
- Make calls to landlines and mobiles (con Google Voice)
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