Google has updated it messaging app, Hangouts to support SMS, location sharing and lots of other enhancements. Google Hangouts, which recently replaced the Google Talk to become the default messaging/chat app for all Android devices.

Google Hangouts for Android device now fully integrated with SMS allowing users to send and receive SMS, instead of switching between apps to read a conversation. The SMS messages will be now shown along with your instant messages under Hangout app.

Google Hangouts gets SMS integration and Other Enhancements

In addition the new update also supports location sharing allowing the users to send a map of their current location to their friends or family quickly. To spice things up Hangouts also now support Animated GIFs which will play right inline along with the conversations.

Broadcasters can now schedule Hangouts On Air, then promote them with a dedicated watch page. Once they’re live, Control Room lets them moderate the conversation with eject and remote mute. In both cases, the video calling experience is significantly improved. It’s now full screen across mobile and desktop, and it fixes and enhances webcam lighting automatically.

The new update for Google Hangouts app is rolling out slowly in a phased manner, so you need to wait for your turn.

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