The update also adds GIF support and a new location-sharing button, which lets users send their GPS location to their contacts. For other Android phones, users can choose to open the SMS function when they download the new version of Hangouts via Google Play. In Android 4.4, Hangouts is integrated with the default SMS app on the Nexus 5. Integration was deprecated in January 2016.

The new Google Hangouts app on iOS integrates a Google Voice number to some extent, but on Android, the SMS support in Hangouts doesn't fully integrate with Google Voice for calls or texts. In 2016, Google upgraded Hangouts to 25 concurrent users in HD video for work and education. You can even remotely manage the app through Google Cloud. You can call any phone number in the world (calls to other Hangouts users are free) and optionally connect your Google Voice account for a phone number, SMS, and voicemail integration. You can engage in video calls with up to 10 friends. Group chats can comprise up to 150 people, all of whom can type messages, embed photos, emoji, stickers, and animated GIFs. Then, with a single tap, you can turn the conversation into a video call. You can share photos and videos, look over your call history, and keep a record of any of your correspondences. You can also use Hangouts to sync chats across all your devices. That means that even if you’re using the program on your Android mobile device, you can still meet participants who are using Android, iOS, or desktop. The app works as an extension for most browsers and is 100% cross-platform compatible. Part of the mighty Google workspace, Hangouts is their go-to app for chatting, messaging, and taking part in video calls.

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