We recently discussed the formidable Whatsapp competitor MessageMe here. However, it seems that this app is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the battle for the throne of chat services. With Hangouts, Google is now opening fire on WhatsApp.
Google Hangouts is a new service that brings together all Google chat services. The service is available as an app for Android and iOS and can also be used as an extension for Google's own browser, Chrome.
After logging in with your Google account, Hangouts gives you direct access to all contacts that you normally find in your Gmail or on Google+. From these contacts you can select one or more contacts with whom you want to start a Hangout. This may almost sound like making an actual appointment, but a Hangout is Google's name for a chat window.
What is immediately noticeable when starting a Hangout is that the interface of Google Hangouts is a lot tighter and clearer than, for example, Whatsapp or MessageMe. This sleek interface does come at a price, however, because in addition to sending images and texts, Google Hangouts does not offer the possibility to send, for example, your location or a drawing that you have made.
What the app does have to offer, on the other hand, is the possibility to make (video) calls with each other and support for multiple platforms. The latter means that you can use Google Hangouts from different devices. For example, on the train you can have a conversation with someone on your phone and when you get home you can just continue the same conversation from your computer. We believe this is one of the biggest advantages over existing messaging services.
In short
Google Hangouts is an app that merges Google's existing chat services and thus competes with Whatsapp. The app offers fewer multimedia options than existing chat services, but brings (video) calling and support for multiple platforms in return. The interface also works very well. Are WhatsApp's days numbered?
Rating 9/10
Price: Free
Available for: iPhone, iPad, Android, Chrome
Tested on: iPhone, Android
Download Google Hangouts from the AppStore, Google Play or Chrome Web Store
