Google Hangouts — the discontinued messaging service that debuted in 2013 as a Google+ characteristic — is being changed by Google Chat, the default messaging app for Google Workspace customers. Considering that the transition to the brand new chat service is in its remaining part, Google is eradicating the Hangouts cell apps from the Google Play retailer and the App Store. Android customers who’ve downloaded the app prior to now will nonetheless have the ability to view it within the checklist of apps they’ve put in, however the app not reveals up in search outcomes for current and new customers.

According to a report by 9to5Google, the Hangouts app has been delisted from the Google Play retailer in addition to Apple’s App Store, stopping new customers from downloading the discontinued chat app on iOS and Android gadgets. In November 2018, it was reported that that Hangouts can be replaced by Google Chat. The firm then started transitioning Workspace customers from Hangouts to Meet in October 2020.

Google Hangouts is presently seen (left) to customers who downloaded the app prior to now, new customers are proven an error 
Photo Credit: Screenshot/ Google

Both the Google Play retailer and App Store listings for the Hangouts app are not accessible, however customers who’ve downloaded the app to their Android smartphones prior to now will have the ability to view it within the Google Play retailer app by tapping on their profile picture, then choosing Manage apps and gadget > Manage > Not Installed.

Gadgets 360 was capable of confirm that each listings for Hangouts had been not accessible on the App Store and the Google Play Store, whereas the app was accessible to obtain on an Android telephone that beforehand had the app put in. Functionality for the app doesn’t seem like restricted in the interim, so customers who nonetheless have the Hangouts app on their iPhone and Android smartphones will doubtless have the ability to message contacts till entry is disabled by Google.

Google is already transferring current Workspace enterprise accounts utilizing Hangouts to Chat, and free accounts are anticipated to observe swimsuit, in response to the 9to5Google report. Users who haven’t but downloaded Google Chat on their smartphone or pill have two choices as soon as the Hangouts app is disabled — use the Gmail app which comes with built-in Chat and Meet assist, or obtain the devoted Google Chat app on their gadgets.