Posted in: Android, Mobile software

If you have been using Hangouts for some time now, you’d know the app was in some serious need for overhaul. Not only was it not updated to Google’s new Material Design but also had several other issues.

That all seems to have been taken care of in the latest update, however, which not only brings an updated design but also several other features and improvements. For starters, the app now conforms to Material Design guidelines and looks a lot better, if not significantly better.

Secondly, there is now support for stickers. For some odd reason, Google decided to add sticker support for Hangouts on iOS long ago and it was missing on Android until now but it’s finally here. Other than the stock animated emoji stickers there are a whole bunch more that are not found on the iOS version. There is no option to download additional stickers right now, though, like on Facebook Messenger and some other messaging apps.

Next are filters for video calls. You can choose from different color filters for your video calls, if you’re into that kinda stuff. Just swipe on the screen the way you do on Snapchat to add them.

Hangouts now also uses your registered number to help others find you using your number, the way, say, WhatsApp works. Lastly, there is now a ‘Last seen’ status for others to see when you last were online, just like on WhatsApp, which you can disable if you want.

The update is rolling out now but could take a few days to be available for download through the Play Store, You can head over to this link to sideload the APK if you want.

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