Google is retiring Google Talk and replacing it with Hangouts

Google has announced that it is shutting down Google Talk (or GTalk) feature in Gmail on June 26, and will now replace it with Hangouts.

Google says that, Hangouts offers advance improvements over Google Talk like group video calling and integration with other Google products. It also also getting the new Hangouts Meet and Hangouts chat features.

GTalk was launched back in 2005 as an official chat client for "a simple chat experience between" Gmail users. In 2013, Google started to replace GTalk with Hangouts, while still giving users the option to continue using GTalk. However, now it is completely killing off GTalk. 

After June 26, users will be automatically transitioned to Hangouts. "Talk users within Gmail will receive a prompt in the next few weeks, inviting them to switch to Hangouts,” Google said in a blog post. 

Moreover, Google is removing SMS functionality in Hangouts for Android on May 22 and is encouraging users to switch to the newly renamed Android Messages app. Users will get a notification in the classic Hangout apps to switch to Android Messages app or any other SMS app already available on your phone. Additionally Switching to a new messaging app will not affect user's SMS message history and all their messages will be accessible in the new SMS app you choose.

Furthermore, In order to make Android Messages as the primary SMS app, Google is also working with device manufacturers and carriers, to pre-load Android Messages in their devices. The search-giant is also looking to upgraded SMS to RCS, which will bring features like read receipts, group chat, hi-res photo sharing and more. 

Source | Via