SYDNEY: After Android received the Google Hangouts update last month, the company released an update for iOS users, as promised.
Google has made some significant improvements to Hangouts. The 2.5.0 update could even be smarter than the updated Android version. The iOS update comes with new stickers and with Google Voice integration. It has also added smart sharing suggestions. This way, if a person inquires about where you are, the app automatically detects it and allows you to share your location with a single tap.
In other new features, the app allows users to set a status message, similar to other instant messaging apps such as BBM, WhatsApp. It also adopts the same ‘last seen’ timeframe which is seen in WhatsApp. Users can also can access SMS and voicemail messages via their Google Voice account as well. It also gives them the ability to search for contacts by phone numbers.
Lastly, Google has also made improvements to our video call experience and fixed some bugs to improve the app overall.
Hangouts for iOS version 2.5.0 can be downloaded at the App Store, and is compatible with iOS 7.0 or higher devices.
Earlier reports suggested that, Google Hangouts would allow users to make free international calls for a minute. Google’s Hangouts app for desktops and mobile will allowed users to instant message, make free domestic voice calls, video chat and calls to phone numbers (including free calls to US and Canada) using an internet connection.
