Google Hangouts has been a feature I’ve ignored for a very long time, until today that is. Someone at Google Headquarters (HQ) has decided to overhaul the underused feature to a level close enough that’s reminiscent of Skype, before Microsoft purchased them and made once free features available through a subscription to the service.
Google Hangout works just like Google’s video chats, except you’re allowed to add more than one person to the call (up to nine people), and you can even add groups of friends you created in Google+ thanks to Google Circle feature.
Something I often take part in on Skype is YouTube link dumping. Google’s made life simpler by adding a YouTube app that allows everyone in the call that video without clicking a link. This feature is close to being the best thing about this new update. However, nothing beats dressing your friends up like a pirate and shouting ‘arrrgh’.
Hangouts in Gmail
Source: Official Gmail Blog
