Google Hangouts is a feature that is available as a part of Gmail from Google. We all remember about the Google Talk which was also available as a separate application or service from Google as an instant messenger and video calling App.
But, from 2015 Google requested its clients and personal users to start using Google Hangouts, which is also an instant messenger and video calling application. Just like the Google Talk, Google Hangouts is also available in the left pane of Gmail Inbox.
How to get on with Hangouts?
Using Google Hangouts, you can have a video conference with your team members and clients. Before starting the group video call, the only thing you have to make sure is that the device meets the system requirements. You just have to follow the simple steps given below.
- Login to Gmail inbox using your Google Account credentials. For corporate users, this will be the company account or the account for the particular department. You have the option to open Hangouts directly from the browser by going to hangouts.google.com.
- To the left side of the page, you will see the Hangouts icon. When you click on that, your contact list will be displayed. If you have the Hangouts extension enabled in Google Chrome, the Hangouts window will open up in a different tab.
- You can search for the contacts from this window and select the checkboxes next to the names. The number of participants should not exceed 10.
- Once you have selected the participants, click on the “Video call” button to start the video calling. That’s it; your video conference will start immediately.
Having a face-to-face discussion is always better than any other communication and Google Hangouts removes the barrier of distance between the participants.
Additional Features
Google Hangouts also enables the user to have a group chat with up to 100 people. Google Hangouts will get synced to all your devices so that you need not worry about missing out any conversation if you do not have your computer with you.
You can install Google Hangouts in your phone and be updated. Other than video call and chatting, you can make phone calls also using Hangouts. Before making a phone call make sure that you checked the rates. Google Hangouts can be downloaded on Android devices, iOS, and Chrome.