A failed update attempt caused the Android OS to loop and go through my monthly data allowance in one evening, despite the restrictions applied to the data use (including background apps). Long story short, I had to go back to stock and go through X updates that would bring me up to speed. I know that Google no longer likes the idea of Hangouts handling the SMS messages but is Google ditching Hangouts for good?
Google ditching Hangouts for good
Going stock presented me with a ‘naked’ Android system. Something I have not seen for a while. This is how it looks like:
Please ignore Vysor (a great app for casting and screen capturing I talked earlier about) and SuperSU. Don’t you feel that something is missing? We get Daydream app in the default loadout but not Hangouts. Hangouts is my go-to app for text messages for years now. I was very surprised that it is no longer added by default. Allo and Duo, however, are installed by default. Is Google trying to tell us something?
I mentioned this before, that Google has to get their mind made up about the messaging business. I’m not sure why I should have 4 different apps for the same need: communicating with another human being.
Meet Hangouts Meet
Two ‘new services’ has been mentioned in the recent blog. Hangouts Meet is transforming into a video conference service. The post mentions 30 people video experience that works just by pressing a link. As you would expect the service is integrating other GSuite offerings, Drive, Docs and Calendar.
Meet Hangouts Chat
Hangouts Chat, however, seems to be a Google’s take on Slack, with virtual rooms, projects and threaded conversations. The app is in the early access right now.
No more Hangouts as we know it?
Whatever happens next, I have a feeling, that we will see Hangouts brand drifting away from the consumer market into enterprise solutions. I don’t think Google has the replacement ready just yet. Neither Allo, Duo, or Messenger offers the services and simplicity that Hangouts had. It’s a bit disappointing knowing that Android device is a mobile phone first, and yet the messaging part of the stock Android experience is lacking.
