Google Adds More Features for its iOS Hangouts

The Android (News - Alert) and iOS platforms are two of the most used operating systems for mobile devices in the world. As you might already know, Android is created by Google (News - Alert), while iOS is by Apple, two of the largest companies in the world. With so many consumers using these products, it is only fair to go after their competitors’ clients for new products and services—so that iOS customers can use Android solutions, and vice versa. The latest push by Google to have iPhones and iPads use its applications is the improvement of Google+ Hangouts, a messaging application that allows users to send and receive messages, photos and videos, animated stickers as well as free video calls with a group or one-on-one, specifically addressing Apple (News - Alert) products..

For Google and its Hangouts platform, addressing the millions of Apple customers is a necessary move in order to remain relevant in mobile communications solutions. After selling Motorola to Lenovo (News - Alert), Google is no longer a player in the smartphone market. But mobile devices are increasingly becoming the preferred computing and communication tool in the world, so those without hardware presence must recognize all users across different operating systems and devices.

The new Google+ Hangouts is the first update for the app since November, and Version 2.0.0 adds a number of features. It is optimized for the iOS 7 interface with more features, a much cleaner look and feel and different typography. This includes allowing users to attach a map to present location when they are having a conversation, record and send video messages of up to 10 seconds long and three dozen animated stickers. The optimization for the iPad includes picture-in-picture video calling as well as the video messaging feature.

No matter what platform people use, Google+ Hangouts allows them to:

• Say more with photos and video messages
• Express themselves using emoji and animated stickers
• Turn any conversation into a free group video call with up to 10 people
• Make phone calls (free to numbers in the U.S. and Canada)
• Use Hangouts across their phone, tablet and computer

The update is available on the App Store now.