Hangouts

Hangouts is the app that brings together instant messaging and video calls and that can be used without a phone number: you only need to be a Google user.

Google's chat and video calling app for Android

The range of chat, instant messaging and video calling apps is huge. Everyone knows that WhatsApp is in control, but from there there are tons of alternatives such as Facebook Messenger, LINE, Skype, Telegram, Kik, Snapchat... there are even some aimed at the professional sector, as in the case of Slack.

As it cannot be otherwise, Google has also contributed to this with its own developments. And although it is now trying to promote Duo and Allo to chat and make voice and video calls, we can still use Hangouts despite knowing that it will be closed shortly (its API has already been removed).

Present on almost all Android devices

If you use Android, you probably already have it among the many applications that Google distributes on these devices. These include Chrome, Google Search, or this messaging app. Its main feature is the fact that we don't have to share our phone number with anyone: you just have to be a Gmail user and log in with that account.

The app offers all the usual features that we find in other products from this company. In other words, a functional and simple design, almost minimalist, with less frills than other chat apps. However, it provides all the basics, so we will definitely find everything we need.

Main functions

• Send text messages to your contacts and add photos, animated GIFs, emojis and stickers to express yourself better.
• Chat in groups of up to 150 people at once.
• Make video calls with up to 10 users at the same time.
• Call any phone in the world with VoIP technology.
• Communicate with anyone, regardless of the device they use: iPhone, Mac, Windows PC, web browser...
• Connect to Google Voice to integrate calling, texting and voicemail.
• Send messages to your friends even when they are offline.

What's new in the latest version

• bug fixes.
• Removes custom ringtones and message tones for the classic version.