Hangouts It offers more and more possibilities that are making this development one of the most complete messaging applications on the market. It's no surprise, therefore, that its use is constantly increasing. Well, this development has just been updated with several new features to the version 2.0.2.
The first thing to say is that one of the most interesting additions on this occasion is the bug fix in the functioning of the development. The inclusion of support for the SMS and MMS This issue was the cause of some stability issues in Hangouts, and sometimes messages of this type would appear in duplicate notifications. Well, these issues—and a few more—have been fixed, such as the convert SMS to MMS when shipping requires it and avoid duplicates upon receipt.
In addition to the fixes, Hangouts strengthens the integration with phone messaging: conversations are now clearly differentiated Hangouts vs. SMS/MMS via tags in the thread, and SMS integration is still Optional (the user activates it). On devices with Android 4.0 or higher SMS reception and sending is enabled, while in Android 4.4 Hangouts can be set as default SMS appIn the conversation view, the timeline displays messages and texts interspersed with an indicative icon; you'll also see a notification if you are on a call and the type of device from which you write.
Along with this, the social experience is expanded with the option of share location, send animated GIFs, use emojis and establish a frame of mind visible to your contacts, improvements that are already coming to this branch of the Google app.
But it's not just about fixes when you upgrade, and new options are also coming to Hangouts. One of them is the ability to import SMS, so that the history of messages you have is also visible in the Google application. An interesting tool that increases the usefulness and power of development. In addition, it is also a more personalized way to group messaging, with particular options and spaces reserved for her.
On some devices, also in the SMS settings, the new option appears to turn off group messages (MMS). It is unknown why some users see it and others don't. And the same thing happens with the option to configure APNs from Hangouts, which only appears on some devices. This last option is intended for devices where Hangouts cannot read the system APNs, allowing add them manually and resolve problematic MMS sending. By the way, Hangouts management of MMS messages is now also available. access points (APN) offers more options and more intuitive navigation; this fixes bugs that affected the sending/receiving multimediaHowever, for undocumented reasons, these options are not available on all models.
What's new and performance in Hangouts 2.0.2
In addition to the improvements already mentioned, this branch incorporates additional stability in chats and video calls. The version distributed via the Play Store integrates the necessary components into the APK itself so that videochat works without unexpected shutdowns, avoiding having to resort to modifications or advanced permissions. It also maintains the phased deployment, so it is normal for it to take a while to appear on all devices.
- SMS and MMS built-in (Android 4.0+), with quick switching between Hangouts and SMS in every conversation.
- possibility of import existing messages to preserve history when migrating.
- Support for Animated gif, as well as emojis and photos in the threads.
- Location shared in one tap within the conversation.
- Visible states: device in use, Naps on call and your frame of mind.
SMS/MMS and group messaging integration
SMS/MMS integration in Hangouts is designed to keep you connected all in one place, but without confusion: Hangouts and text conversations appear tagged and with an identifying icon. In Android 4.4, you can define Hangouts as default SMS app to unify shipments, activate or deactivate the MMS group depending on your tariff, and select when to convert an SMS into MMS (for example, when attaching multimedia or add multiple recipients). The duplicates in notifications and delivery errors that some users detected are resolved in this version.
The conversation experience also takes a qualitative leap: they show writing and reading indicators Hangouts' own, you can share location and animated GIFs in one touch and, if you change devices (mobile, tablet or computer), the state reflects where you're typing from and even if you're on a call. The SMS import It's key to maintaining continuity: your previous messages are added to the thread so you can review and search them without leaving the app.
Don't wait and download the APK of Hangouts 2.0.2
As is usual with Google updates, the rollout is being done by regions and therefore you may have to wait a few days until it is available in Spain. But, if you want to get the APK, corresponding executable file, and have the new version now, you can get it at this linkTo begin the installation process, simply tap on what you downloaded and follow the on-screen steps. If prompted, set Hangouts as your preferred language. default SMS app to unify all your conversations.
Quick tips before you update: Check that your phone meets the requirements (at least Android 4.0 for SMS/MMS and Android 4.4 if you want to set it as the default SMS app), check that the APN from your operator are correct and, if you come from another messaging app, use the option import SMS to maintain the historical.
As a bonus, if you use the Google keyboard on your device, remember that recent versions allow send emojis From any compatible app (on Android 4.4), enter Symbols with the Enter key, and write by gestures with the possibility of slide across the space bar to separate words, features that fit especially well with the new Hangouts messaging experience.
The point is that Hangouts it is becoming an increasingly important part of Android terminals, as it is packed with features and therefore it is always good to have the latest version. Everything indicates that Google plans for this application to become an essential complement to its operating system by adding functions such as management of the SMS and MMSOver time, Google's communications strategy has evolved with new chat and video calling solutions, but the Hangouts 2.0.2 update marked a key step: uniting traditional messaging and online conversations in a single app, with advanced group controls, APN settings, and stability improvements that make a difference in everyday life.
VÃa: Android Police.