We have lived a lot of history around the name of the instant messaging service called Google Babel. Confusion It is what existed, without being clear whether it was real, or if it was simply an invention. Google Babel it will arrive, almost certainly, but the latest rumors suggest that it will be called Google HangoutsAt least that's information from a trusted source.
The data comes from The Verge forums, and the source that provides the information has already been right in the past, so we can start to get the idea that in the Google I/O, the largest event of the Mountain View company, will be presented on new courier service who will compete with WhatsApp y LINEWhat is not so clear is whether it will actually end up being called Google Hangouts, as it is said, or if it will keep the Google Babel that it seems to have had internally. Be that as it may, the data we had on the possible application has not changed.
What we know and what unifies
Google Babel, Google Hangouts, whatever it's called, would come with a Holo interface, unifying all of the search engine company's conversation services. In this way, Google Talk, Google Voice, Google+ Messenger and, of course, Hangouts itself, would become part of a single appVarious sources also indicate, clients for Android, iOS, Chrome, Gmail, Google+ and Chrome OS, with real time synchronization between devices.
Some of the information comes from the Gmail code, where references to “Babel” and promotional texts that speak of it have been seen improved notifications, advanced group conversations, sending images and a conversation list unified. The possibility of even being mentioned revert to classic chat after activating Babel/Hangouts, which is useful during the transition. More details have been seen in recent mentions in updates related to Google Voice and Babel.
Interface, features and leaks
From the appearance or its characteristics it was known a little In the beginning. There was catches false ones that circulated in forums, but the common thread has remained: emojis, multimedia (photos and videos), Integrated Hangouts and a web version with a design similar to Google Talk. Some features may require Google+ account, a sign of a more cohesive ecosystem. There was also talk of a “improved” notification system which avoids duplicates on mobile and PC, and conversations with one or more people that are updated instantly.
As for the scope, there are two points with nuances: on the one hand, SMS may or may not be integrated depending on the release iteration; on the other hand, the voice services (VoIP) do not always appear in the first tests, opening the door to an incorporation staggered. Even without official confirmation, the objective is clear: compete head-to-head with WhatsApp, Viber or Line from day one, relying on Google's user base.
Strategy, security and what to expect
Google's move makes business sense: unify messaging reduces fragmentation and facilitates integration with gmail, Google Drive y Google+Industry sources have also indicated that there are no plans to purchase WhatsApp, which is logical if you are promoting your own solution. To gain traction, it is considered essential that it is multi platform really and that offers robust security, a differential factor for the Business environment.
Among the desirable things that users expect to find are: VoIP calls, polls, groups without artificial boundaries, advanced attachment management and a fluid interaction with the rest of Google services. All this without losing the simplicity that made Talk popular, despite the fact that at the time it relied on XMPP, while Hangouts would tend towards a proprietary protocol to expand capabilities.
On a personal level, I have to say that I prefer Google Babel; it is easy to pronounce for everyone and evokes chat bubbles and the idea of ​​unifying languages. Hangouts is not a particularly easy word to remember and gives the impression of being something known, not a new rival for WhatsApp and Line. In any case, we will still have to wait for the arrival of the Google I/O to see if this new system is really presented and under what final name.
With everything leaked—from mentions in Gmail code to details of key features—the move points to a unified platform, multiplatform and focused on experience: Consistent notifications, powerful groups, integrated multimedia, and a technical foundation ready to grow with voice and other services when needed.