The new version of Hangouts, version 2.3, has already begun rolling out in Spain, and one of the major additions is the ability to make voice calls between users of the Google development. This wasn't a possibility before, but now with the Google Voice integration It is one more option in the application.
The truth is that the simplicity It is the predominant note since once you enter the window in which you can establish a communication, something that is achieved simply by clicking on the chosen contact, two icons appear at the top: one to generate a video conference –something that is not new– and, in addition, the specific one for the voice calls, represented by a telephone. Click on it.
Once the above cases have been met, a screen appears within Hangouts with the contact's identifying image in the center and the available options at the bottom. The most notable is the ability to hang up –a large, elongated button with a telephone icon is what you should look for–. You can also set it if you want activate loudspeaker external terminal and, also, if the audio needs to be cut off punctually or go to a video conference. The truth is that it is quite complete and with useful options.
With regard to the quality, it must be said that this is very good, with very clean sound and with a high volume. In addition, it should be mentioned that the call setup It takes a little longer than usual with a phone, which is logical since you mustn't forget that you're using the internet to communicate. On unstable connections, the app adjusts the bitrate to maintain voice continuity; if you want to improve the experience, use Wi ‑ Fi or 4G/5G data with good coverage.
Also changes in the interface design
Before finishing, it must be said that in the new version of Hangouts the interface has changed to adapt to the design Material Design that will arrive with the new Android development. Now the colors are more intense and whites predominate. In addition, viewing contacts is done in list form (which makes it much more similar to other messaging apps) and, finally, it should be noted that the drop down side menu It is now much more useful as it allows you to perform interesting actions, such as being able to hide contacts.
In short, Hangouts - which you can get at this Google Play link if you don't have it installed - has become one of the best, if not the best, messaging application due to the large number of options it offers and, in addition, with optimal operation. At the very least, it is worth giving it a try since the number of potential users is really high (the APK you can also get it in this page from AndroidHelp).
Calls with Nest speakers and displays
With Google speakers and displays Nest and Google Home you can do voice calls to friends, family and businesses; on the screens, it is also possible to start video callsPre-configure the calling method in the Assistant app to link your services.
- To reply an incoming Meet call on Nest, say, “Hey Google, answer the call.”
- To to refuse, say: “Hey Google, reject the call.”
- If you want to avoid interruptions, adjust the do not disturb hours in the call settings.
On Nest displays you can silence o activate sound from the touch controls. To hang up with voice: “Hey Google, end the call” (also known as “hang up”, “stop” or “disconnect”). For touch controls: On Nest Hub/Hub Max, tap End call; on Google Home and Home Max, tap the top; on Nest Mini/Nest Wifi/Nest Audio, tap the center; on Home Mini, tap the side.
Privacy: You can review the activation phrase used to initiate a call in My Activity. Google does not retain voice content from calls or Meet; it only saves duration, errors y count calls.
Hangouts and Meet: Features, Pricing, and Management
VoIP calls integrated into Hangouts allow call phones landlines and mobiles. Calls to USA and Canada can be free from supported countries, and the international rates They have been optimized with very competitive prices compared to alternatives. In the history you can see the final cost of each call when applicable. For voice between Hangouts/Meet users, the call is for free beyond your connection.
In the professional field, experience has evolved towards Google Meet, which incorporates improvements such as recording of long-term meetings, extended reports (more metrics available), better resolution on mobile and Unique URLs for easy access. In addition, you can be invited with a link without everyone having to log in, and there are improvements to join from a browser, mobile app, or dedicated hardware.
Participants: In classic Hangouts, video calls could gather up to 25 people and text chats up to 150 participantsIn Workspace (formerly G Suite) editions with Meet, limits are expanded based on license, allowing for large rooms.
Administration in Workspace: Administrators can restrict who calls to users (contacts and organization only; anyone; or block calls). This policy affects Meet calls and not to standard meetings or legacy or Google Chat calls; access controls can further limit incoming calls.
Call transition: the legacy calls are updated to the Meet calling experience, with new features such as instant subtitles, chat on call, effects, cloud encryption and share screen. To have everything available, keep your Meet app updatedIf someone doesn't have the latest version, the call can use the previous experience until everyone updates.
How to start from the web in Meet: go to Google Meet, enter Calls, choose the contact or group, press Continue and select voice call o video callIf a contact doesn't support direct calling, you'll see a prompt to send them a invitation link to join when it starts.
Regarding other solutions, there are VoIP apps with global coverage in more than 230 countries and regions, up to 8-way conference, record calls and distributed servers for stability. Hangouts/Meet combines simplicity with integration into GoogleWhile WhatsApp or Skype They stand out for their user base and calls to numbers with their own rates. Choose according to your needs. rates, quality, integration and controls.
With voice integration, Nest Access, and expanded Meet capabilities, the Google ecosystem It is today a very complete experience: easy to start, with good quality and with productivity tools and control when you need them.