AfterDawn: News

RIP Google Hangouts

Google has updated their Google Suite package (formerly GAPPS), making the "Hangouts" app now optional for OEMs.

Reads Google's email to devs: "Today, we are announcing that Google Duo will replace Hangouts within the suite of core GMS apps, and Hangouts will become GMS Optional for telephony products. This change will take effect on December 1, 2016."



Duo is Google's cross-platform FaceTime competitor.

Now, the headline may be a bit alarmist, but there will be little incentive for OEMs to include Hangouts when there are plenty of rivals that may pay better to have their messaging app pre-installed. Google does say Hangouts will be supported for business and personal, at least for now.

Source:
Android Police


Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 10 Oct 2016 17:56

• Previous article

• Netflix: Expansion to China is unlikely in near future

• Next article

• Spotify and Apple Music get unofficial remixes thanks to partnership with Dubset

• 4 comments

• Rezer

  Haha this is the millionth 'messenger/social' app for Google.

  10.10.2016 20:41 #1

• RottieGrl

  Does that mean that I will now be able to delete it out of my android tablet & phone?

  11.10.2016 13:45 #2

• KillerBug

  Originally posted by RottieGrl: Does that mean that I will now be able to delete it out of my android tablet & phone? No...if it comes preinstalled you are still stuck with it. Just like all the other non-required bloatware that manufacturers and carriers load their phones with.

  12.10.2016 09:28 #3

• biglo30

  Originally posted by RottieGrl: Does that mean that I will now be able to delete it out of my android tablet & phone? What you would have to do (if it lets you) is disable the app.
  

  
  

  14.10.2016 12:09 #4