Hangouts v2 replaces Messaging on Android, adds GIF and location sharing

Google unveiled Android 4.4 KitKat and the Nexus 5 today, and probably the biggest change to the platform is that the messaging app is now completely gone and replaced with Hangouts version 2.0.

This means that all your SMS text messages and MMS will appear in the Hangouts app along with chats and actual video hangouts. The SMS and MMS integration will work with any phone running on Android 4.0 and up and you can both send and receive texts via the app, and reply right there as well of course. Group texts are also supported and you can text emoji as well.

Not just that, but Google has added a neat and simple way to quickly share your location via Hangouts. Plus, you can send animated GIFs so none of your friends can miss your cat’s latest endeavors. Finally, you can also set your status so friends know about what mood you’re in.

All of this comes with a few improvements in quickness and stability, and you can take a look at how it all looks right below.


source: Randall Sarafa