We’ve known for over two years that Google was planning to destroy their classic Hangouts app in favor of opening Google Chat for those without Google Workspace. With the migration set to take place in the first half of 2021, Google Chat is preparing a beta test to open the app for Hangouts users to preview.
About APK Insight: In this “APK Insight” position, we have decompiled the latest version of an application that Google has uploaded to the Play Store. If we decompose these files (called APKs, in the case of Android apps), we can see different code rules that indicate possible future features. Remember that Google may or may not transmit these features, and that our interpretation of what they are may be imperfect. We will try to enable those who are closer to finishing to show you what they will look like in the event that they are shipped. Read on with that in mind.
Google Chat “Consumer Beta”
In October, Google shared a rough timeline for the transition from Hangouts to Google Chat, saying that migration would take place in “the first half of 2021”. More specifically, this migration will send your chat history, contacts and more from the Hangouts app to Google Chat.
If you are currently accessing the Google Chat app on a non-workspace account – any Google account ending in @gmail.com of @googlemail.com – it simply tells you that you do not have access to Chat, give or make exceptions, such as being invited to an existing workspace.
Google Chat received an update to version 2021.01.24 earlier this month, in which we find that Google is apparently preparing an early beta preview period for the average person using Hangouts to switch to the Chat app.
Welcome to Google Chat
Google Chat introduces a new experience and features not found in Hangouts. Because it is a preview of the new Chat, you may experience errors and other issues. ”
In fact, even if you do not install the full Google Chat app, you still have the opportunity to test the newer experience. A similar “2021.01.24” update to Gmail provides more information on how this Google Chat beta preview period will work for Hangouts fans.
Try Google Chat in Gmail
‘By switching to the Google Chat preview, you can try out the new experience and features.
Because it is a preview, you may experience errors and other issues.
You can switch back to your old chat setting at any time. ”
During the preview period, you’ll be able to switch back and forth between classic Hangouts and Google Chat, including adding Google Chat integration directly to the Gmail app. It should take the form of the “Tabs” and “Rooms” tabs that join the current mix of “Mail” and “Measure” tabs in Gmail, as first exhibited last year.
From the way Google repeatedly describes it, this beta preview period is meant to ensure that Chat, when Hangouts Classic finally shuts down, is ready to take on the mantle of Google’s primary messaging program. By the time the full migration takes place later this year, all the twists and turns will hopefully be worked out for a seamless transition.
More about Hangouts:
FTC: We use revenue to earn automatically affiliate links. More.
Check out 9to5Google on YouTube for more news: