In the latest update, Google has discontinued group video calling in Google Hangouts on Android and the web, directing users to use Google Meet instead. Hangouts, a cross-platform messaging app launched by Google in 2013, is gradually being phased out in favor of Google Meet and Chat. The new update, reflected in version 36.0.340725045, signals Google’s move away from Hangouts as it strives to replace it with more feature-rich alternatives.
Upon opening Hangouts after the update, users are greeted with a banner announcing the shift: “Video calls in Hangouts now use Google Meet, offering live captions, screen sharing, and more.” Group calls have been entirely replaced by Google Meet, and a new menu entry allows users to share a Meet link for group video calls. When initiating a group call via the video button in Hangouts, a Google Meet URL is automatically shared in the chat, encouraging users to transition away from Hangouts.
Despite the elimination of group video calling, Hangouts remains functional for one-to-one video calls, and audio calling options remain unchanged. However, the shift to Google Meet introduces limitations, restricting free users to 10 participants in video calls, down from the previous 25 participants available to all users.
For those desiring to continue using group video calling, a report from Android Police suggests reverting to an earlier version of Hangouts. However, with automatic updates on most phones, this workaround may not be practical for many users unless they specifically need group video calling and are willing to forgo other updates. The latest update marks another step in the evolution of Google’s communication tools, emphasizing the transition from Hangouts to Meet as a primary video conferencing solution.