Source: Google
What you need to know
- The Hangouts brand may be going to the Google graveyard soon.
- Based on changes in the company's communications, it seems like Google will be dropping the "Hangouts" from Hangouts Meet.
- Whether the change will be replicated with Hangouts Chat, and signify the end of the Hangouts brand entirely, remains to be seen.
Hangouts, as a product, has had a troubled history since the beginning. Envisioned as Google's end-all, be-all chat and video calling solution to take on iMessage and FaceTime, it never really caught on with as many customers as Google would have liked.
So, the company decided to shutter the classic app and split the product into two earlier this year: the consumer-focused Hangouts Chat and an enterprise-oriented video conferencing tool, Hangouts Meet. The latter, at least, may soon be dropping the Hangouts in its name, as some sleuthing by the folks at 9to5Google shows.
As the publication points out, the change seems to have been in the works for a while, based on recent statements by the company's execs. Both Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian and Google CEO Sundar Pichai have referred to the platform as Google Meet, instead of Hangouts Meet, in recent communications.
The most concrete indication that a re-branding effort is underway, though, comes from Google's support landing page, where the app is now called Google Meet. Open up the page specific to the app, and you see the same Hangouts-less branding. Interestingly, Hangouts Chat still has the Hangouts on its dedicated support page.
The Play Store listing, however, still includes the Hangouts in the name, and Google has not yet made an official announcement confirming a re-branding. We'd expect something along those lines soon enough.
While it's seemingly becoming clearer that Meet will be dropping its Hangouts heritage, it's unclear if the Hangouts brand as a whole is also in for a dirt nap, or if Google has simply decided to keep the name exclusive to the customer-oriented Hangouts Chat.
Google Hangouts Meet vs. Zoom: Which conferencing tool is better for you?
Have you listened to this week's Android Central Podcast?
Every week, the Android Central Podcast brings you the latest tech news, analysis and hot takes, with familiar co-hosts and special guests.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
Samsung's next-gen Galaxy S22 just had its first big leak
Samsung has reportedly decided against using 3D ToF sensors on its Galaxy S22 series phones as the tech doesn't offer any "clear advantages."
A limited Google Pixel 5a launch may be a smarter strategy than you think
Google's not launching the Pixel 5a in all countries where the 4a launched. Here's why that actually makes sense.
Tech enthusiasts shouldn't forget about Earth Day
This past year has been hard on us all, but it's been hard on the planet too. Let's all try to remember to take care of ourselves AND the planet as we observe Earth Day 2021.
Break a sweat with these great Oculus Quest 2 exercise games and apps
Do you prefer your workouts to challenge your full body? Do you care more about aerobics or muscle training? Do you need a high-speed soundtrack or a high score to motivate you? Or do you want a game first and foremost, with exercise as a happy bonus? Whatever your preferences, we have the best Oculus Quest 2 VR experiences to keep you healthy while staying indoors.