It seemed that the service Google Voice was close to seeing its end and, almost surprisingly, it has been learned that this is not going to be the case since from now on it will be integrated into Hangouts, which thus manages to increase its utility and therefore becomes a more powerful tool.
With this integration, it is now possible manage messages which are received in the terminal in a unified manner and, in addition, the possibility of send SMS, perform VoIP calls and access the voicemail with transcription and email notifications. All without leaving Hangouts, both on mobile and desktop. using pop-up windows. You don't need to update the app for the migration notice to appear: Google enables the feature by default. progressive from the server with a message that allows you to "turn on the feature" and start receiving SMS and voicemail in Hangouts. Remember that Google Voice It is not present in all regions, although this integration accelerates its global deployment.
Interestingly, no update is needed for the applications involved, so everything points to this functionality was latent in Hangouts Waiting to be activated by Google. However, there may be occasional issues with responses to messages or initial synchronization, which are common with activations. staggered.
A movement with all the sense in the world
The reorganization that is taking place in Hangouts when it comes to integrating different functionalities related to communication, such as text messages, is a logical strategy to compete with apple options and other services that combine chat, voice, and video in a single environment. In addition, Google enables the VoIP calls from the web (Gmail/Chrome) and integrates voicemail and SMS directly into Hangouts conversations; in certain regions, calls to some destinations such as USA and Canada can be Returns or very economical, which reinforces their proposal.
The rumors that pointed to the possible disappearance of Google Voice were not accurate: everything indicates that its use will expand by being centralized in Hangouts. This simplifies the experience: the user doesn't have to jump between apps to call, send messages or listen to the voicemail.
What exactly does Voice bring to Hangouts?
The integration is not limited to “viewing messages” in another app: it incorporates key functions for personal and professional use. These include:
- Centralized SMS/MMS: sending and receiving messages from mobile and web, with synchronization complete.
- Advanced Voicemail: recording, transcription in text and email notification; direct access from Hangouts.
- VoIP calls: Make and receive calls from Hangouts (mobile/web) with reduced rates and HD quality when the network allows it.
- floating window On desktop: Notifications and pop-up conversations so you don't miss calls or text messages while working in other tabs.
- virtual number y area codes: work/personal life separation, opening hours, filtering spam and privacy control.
- Detours and groups: Forwarding to multiple numbers/devices and basic distribution for small teams.
Availability, requirements and integrations
Google Voice for Google Workspace is available in select countries and regions. These include: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, , Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden (numbers in Stockholm, Malmö and Gothenburg), Switzerland, United Kingdom y United States (with regional exclusions). Where Voice is not available, Hangouts still allows VoIP calls on the web and app with limited coverage.
On desktop, Voice/Hangouts works in browsers Chrome, Firefox, Edge y safari; in mobility, there are apps for Android y iOS. Integration with gmail, Calendar, Drive y Google Meet power use cases such as business hours, meeting joining, and activity logging. Important: VoIP services do not replace emergency calls, which are not supported.
How to activate it and resolve common issues
The activation comes with a notice within Hangouts to migrate Google Voice and start receiving SMS and voicemail. If it doesn't appear, that's normal: the rollout is done in phases and doesn't require an update. In the desktop version (Hangouts extension/app in Chrome), the “Receiving SMS and Voicemail in Hangouts” allows you to centralize everything when it is available.
Some users have reported deficiencies and unexpected behaviors after the change. Recommendations:
- floating window- If it doesn't appear in Google Voice, adjust the size of the message window to focus on the SMS or use the popup notification of the system; in the initial phase, the experience could differ from that of Hangouts.
- Link to the Messages app: Native linking may be limited; prioritize web interface or Hangouts for SMS if the option is still available on your account.
- Calls going to voicemail: Check “Devices & Numbers” in Voice, check that “This device" is active, check schedules/Do not disturb, disable mobile forwarding if you don't need it and confirm permissions notifications.
Plans and configuration in Workspace
For professional environments there are plans Starter, Standard y Prime minister, with differences in number of users, locations, and international location support. Typical setup includes: assigning licenses to each user, choosing locations, carry or assign numbers, verify numbers linked with a code, and adjust policies (forwarding, voicemail, schedules). Voice prioritizes integrating with the Google ecosystem; its third party integrations are more limited than in specialized VoIP solutions.
Update: Next we leave you the APK to get Hangouts 2.3, which is the version that integrates the call service. Additionally, it must be said that the design of the application changes to adapt to Material Design, which will be the focus of the upcoming new Android version. Here's the download link.
Vía: Android Police.
With the integration of Google Voice in Hangouts, the Google ecosystem strengthens unified messaging with voice, text y mailbox In one place, with progressive server-side activation and web and mobile compatibility; a simple solution for users and SMEs who value centralization, savings, and privacy, with the exception of regional availability and the fact that, for very advanced needs, a more comprehensive VoIP platform may be required.