- Google is finally giving us some details on its plans to close classic Hangouts.
- Many of the functions of the messaging service will be switched to Google Chat.
- The transitions will be completed sometime in 2021.
Over a year ago, Google announced that it would end its classic Hangouts messaging service. Today we got more information on how and when Google will close Hangouts and how many of its features will be replaced with Google Chat.
Hangouts users will switch to the free Google Chat service sometime in 2021. In this case, Google supports Hangouts users by moving all previous conversations, contacts and saved history data to the chat. Specific information on when this will happen next year will be announced at a later date.
Google Chat has some advantages over Hangouts. While in chat, you can send messages to an inbox, and use emoji responses and suggested replies. There will also be a faster search.
In early 2021, Google will also close Hangouts from the Google Fi experience. The company recommends Fi users switch to the messaging app for text and voice calls in the future. Fi users will have more detailed guidance on transitioning from Hangouts to Messages later in October. Google also plans to remove Google Voice support in Hangouts in early 2021.
Hangout users also lose the ability to call regular phone numbers. This feature is being discontinued due to changes in the EU and US telecommunications regulations. Refunds will be given to users with calling credit remaining.
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