Google Hangouts — the discontinued messaging service that debuted in 2013 as a Google+ characteristic — is being changed by Google Chat, the default messaging app for Google Workspace customers. Contemplating that the transition to the brand new chat service is in its remaining section, Google is eradicating the Hangouts cellular apps from the Google Play retailer and the App Retailer. Android customers who’ve downloaded the app prior to now will nonetheless be capable to view it within the listing of apps they’ve put in, however the app now not reveals up in search outcomes for current and new customers.
In response to a report by 9to5Google, the Hangouts app has been delisted from the Google Play retailer in addition to Apple’s App Retailer, stopping new customers from downloading the discontinued chat app on iOS and Android gadgets. In November 2018, it was reported that that Hangouts could be replaced by Google Chat. The corporate then began transitioning Workspace customers from Hangouts to Meet in October 2020.
Google Hangouts is at present seen (left) to customers who downloaded the app prior to now, new customers are proven an error
Picture Credit score: Screenshot/ Google
Each the Google Play store and App Store listings for the Hangouts app are now not accessible, however customers who’ve downloaded the app to their Android smartphones prior to now will be capable to view it within the Google Play retailer app by tapping on their profile photograph, then choosing Handle apps and machine > Handle > Not Put in.
Devices 360 was in a position to confirm that each listings for Hangouts had been now not accessible on the App Retailer and the Google Play Retailer, whereas the app was out there to obtain on an Android cellphone that beforehand had the app put in. Performance for the app doesn’t look like restricted in the meanwhile, so customers who nonetheless have the Hangouts app on their iPhone and Android smartphones will probably be capable to message contacts till entry is disabled by Google.
Google is already shifting current Workspace enterprise accounts utilizing Hangouts to Chat, and free accounts are anticipated to comply with swimsuit, in keeping with the 9to5Google report. Customers who haven’t but downloaded Google Chat on their smartphone or pill have two choices as soon as the Hangouts app is disabled — use the Gmail app which comes with built-in Chat and Meet help, or obtain the devoted Google Chat app on their gadgets.
