Often, the lack of users is one of the reasons for the shutdown of an online service. It seems that’s why Google Hangouts is being discontinued this year. Even though it isn’t highly popular with everyone, it’s still helpful and valuable to quite a few people.
Sadly, if this is the case for you, it is probably better to start looking for alternatives to Google Hangouts now. Taking this announcement just a bit further, it is that in November this year, the tech giant is shutting down its cross-platform instant messaging service.
Several months back, Google Workspace was removed from Hangouts in favor of Google Chat, which has since been taken back.
According to Google, users on the mobile app still using Hangouts will be asked to switch to Google Chat after this change becomes official.
The hangout prompt will not appear for users of Gmail’s web version of Hangouts until July. Additionally, Hangouts desktop users will be notified at least a month before the desktop site closes in November that it is going away.
All your chats and conversations should sync to Google Chat regardless of your choice. The company has a Take Out service that can download your Hangouts data before November. This is if you decide not to use any Google messaging products in the future.
On the other hand, Google Chats will include enhanced features such as direct calls, in-line threads, and more to make it more appealing.
