We’ve known for over two years that Google planned to discontinue their classic Hangouts app and open up Google Chat to those without Google Workspace. With the migration scheduled for the first half of 2021, Google Chat is preparing a beta test to open the app for Hangouts users to preview.
About APK Insight: In this ‘APK Insight’ post, we have decompiled the latest version of an application that Google uploaded to the Play Store. When we decompile these files (called APKs, in the case of Android apps), we can see several lines of code within that hint to possible future features. Keep in mind that Google may or may not ever ship these features, and our interpretation of what they are may be imperfect. We will try to enable those who are almost ready to show you what they will look like in the event they ship. With that in mind, read on.
Google Chat “Consumer Beta”
In October, Google shared a rough timeline for the transition from Hangouts to Google Chat, stating the migration would take place in “the first half of 2021”. More specifically, this migration brings your conversation history, contacts, and more from the Hangouts app to Google Chat.
Currently, if you open the Google Chat app on a non-Workspace account: any Google account ending in @gmail.com or @googlemail.com – it just tells you you don’t have access to Chat, give or accept some exceptions, like being invited to an existing workspace.
Google Chat received an update to version 2021.01.24 earlier this month, showing that Google appears to be preparing an early beta preview period for the average person using Hangouts to switch to the Chat app.
Welcome to Google Chat
Google Chat introduces a new experience and features not found in Hangouts. Since this is an example of the new Chat, you may run into bugs and other issues. “
Even if you don’t install the full Google Chat app, you still have the option to test the newer experience. A similar “2021.01.24” update for Gmail provides more tidbits about how this Google Chat beta preview period works for Hangouts fans.
Try Google Chat in Gmail
“If you switch to the Google Chat preview, you can try out the new experience and features.
As this is an example, you may run into bugs and other issues.
You can switch back to your old chat setting at any time. “
During the preview period, you should be able to switch back and forth between the classic version of Hangouts and Google Chat, including the addition of Google Chat integration directly to the Gmail app. This should take the form of the “Chat” and “Rooms” tabs that are part of the current mix of “Mail” and “Meet” tabs in Gmail, as first shown last year.
As Google repeatedly describes it, this beta preview period is to make sure that when classic Hangouts finally shuts down, Chat is fully ready to take over the mantle of Google’s primary messaging app. By the time the full migration occurs later this year, hopefully all the kinks will have worked out for a seamless transition.
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