Google Hangouts for iOS Gains iPad Optimization, iOS 7 Redesign

Thursday February 27, 2014 3:11 PM PST by Juli Clover
Google's messaging app Hangouts was today updated to version 2.0, adding an iOS 7 redesign and several new features including animated stickers, 10 second video messages, and iPad optimization. This is the app's first major update since it received voice calling and Google Voice integration back in October of 2013.

Following the update, the app supports a two-column conversation view on the iPad. Like many other social networking apps, Hangouts now supports animated stickers that can be included in messages, and maps of current locations can also be sent in a message.

googlehangouts
Along with a new look and feel, Hangouts has also gained new option to send a video message that's up to 10 seconds in length to offline users, which can be viewed later.
- Stickers: express your mood with fun animated stickers. Think of them as emoji, but even more awesome.

- Video Messages: record and send short videos to everyone in the conversation. Now you can really say what you need to say.

- Location sharing: send a map of your current location with a few simple taps. Great for coordinating the whole gang when you're ready to hangout IRL.

- Optimized for the iPad: enjoy big, beautiful video calls, and a two-pane conversation view. Perfect for the iPad's larger screen.
Google's Hangouts app can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

42 comments


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WhackyNinja
73 months ago
Google knows how to do flat UI

Apple take note.
Rating: 12 Votes
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WhackyNinja
73 months ago

Of what? We can argue until the cows come home about what constitutes flat design, but I still prefer Apple's more playful take on it, and I think at the end of the day, that's really what matters more, rather than just meeting the technical definitions of "flat" just for the sake of it.


Apple's flat design is just clutter. At least Google's design is nice and clean, and minimalistic.

Now dont get me wrong, iOS 7's UI isn't ENTIRELY bad...the blur effects are beautiful, but overall compared to Google's UI on the Stock Android, Google really takes the cake
Rating: 10 Votes
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zorinlynx
73 months ago
I still can't send SMS via Google Voice? Why, Google, why???
Rating: 5 Votes
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WhackyNinja
72 months ago

Google knows UI? I think they took "flat" design literally.




I think Apple took flat literally. Im sorry but the right looks more attractive than the left
Rating: 3 Votes
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Abazigal
73 months ago

Google knows how to do flat UI

Apple take note.


Of what? We can argue until the cows come home about what constitutes flat design, but I still prefer Apple's more playful take on it, and I think at the end of the day, that's really what matters more, rather than just meeting the technical definitions of "flat" just for the sake of it.
Rating: 2 Votes
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ppc_michael
72 months ago

They can't even get mail right.


I lol'd.
Rating: 2 Votes
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Dulcimer
73 months ago

Google knows how to do flat UI

Apple take note.


This app is so difficult to look at and discern the different UI elements. If this app encompasses Google's take on flat UI, then they suck at it.
Rating: 2 Votes
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Kariya
72 months ago

No slideout navigation, no overflow menu, etc. It looks nothing like any of Google's current apps on Android. I can't imagine Google using the 4 icons at the bottom for navigation considering what they have been moving towards on Android.


UI not UX. UX will never be the same because the OS differ in general UX.
Rating: 1 Votes
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Razeus
72 months ago

I continue to push everyone I can from iMessage and WhatsApp to Google Hangouts. It's the only messaging platform I've seen with decent access on iOS, Android, PC and Mac. Being able to actually have cross platform video calls, instant messaging and picture messages and have them pop up everywhere I am is just brilliant.

It seems with every passing month that Apple's unwillingness to offer services to customers outside of their hardware ecosystem just puts them further and further into the outdated category. People want their data, and they want it EVERYWHERE.

-------
Owner of Windows Gaming PC, Work Windows Laptop, Home Mac Mini, iPhone, iPad, Nexus 7, Linux PC, SteamBox.


This is why I don't use ANY Apple apps. Everything I use is cross platform.

iCloud? Nope. Dropbox.
iTunes Match. Nope. Spotify.
Maps? Nope. Google Maps.
Notes? Nope. Evernote.
Reminders? Nope. Wunderlist.
Podcasts? Nope. PocketCasts.

I refused to let Apple trap me in their walled garden.
Rating: 1 Votes
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Tubebaum
72 months ago

I still can't send SMS via Google Voice? Why, Google, why???


This. This so hard.
Rating: 1 Votes
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