Google's Chat App Hangouts 7.0 Update Disintegrates SMS Functionality & Adds Quick Response Feature!
Google's chat app called Hangouts has been updated. The latest version, Hangouts 7.0, comes with two major changes -- removal of SMS support and addition of a quick reply function.
Google is now trying to back away from the integrated SMS feature of its Hangouts App. In its latest upgrade to 7.0 version, it sends a pop-up message suggesting users to stop using the Android app for SMS and switch to its standalone 'Messenger' SMS client.
"Check out Google's new SMS app," it prompts with a dialog box that read, "For sending simple, fast SMS text messages, try Messenger," cited Engadget.
Years ago, Google Hangouts app had asked users to switch to the app when it integrated SMS services and Google Voice. It also had its Messenger App that was solely dedicated to send and receive SMS and MMS. But now, it has brought in this update that asks users to discontinue a major functionality. Phandroid already predicted this recent upgrade a month ago.
An important feature has been added to Hangouts new upgraded version, as well. The newest update to Google Hangouts is a feature that will enable its users to reply to their messages faster than ever.
This "Quick reply" functionality will now let Hangouts messages to appear within your notifications pull-down menu and upon just tapping the reply button, users can send a message with such minimal effort.
It is no longer needed to open the Hangouts app to read a message and reply to it. A tiny text window shows up and you can just reply to the messages instantly.
"What's interesting about this update is that it places Hangouts sort of 'above the rim' as it were", opined Chris Burns of SLASH GEAR.
"Google continues to bring their services closer to the user, making the Android experience one that's best utilized with Google services up front and center. This is just another example of that."
In addition to this, other features that are included in the new Hangouts update is a "save to home screen" shortcut that aids starting a conversation with a specific group/contact instantly. The fonts also appear different on dark background.
You can download the new update to your Hangouts app from the Google Play App Store.
