This article was published on June 11, 2015

Sneak peek at new Google Hangouts for Android shows improved chat interface


Sneak peek at new Google Hangouts for Android shows improved chat interface

Google Hangouts for Android may soon see an update that offers interface improvements and revamped features.

The crew at Android Police got hold of an early version of the updated app, which may not be its final version. The most glaring change is the app now adopts much more of the Material Design language Google is pushing, with the floating ‘new conversation’ button towards the bottom right of the screen.

Screen Shot 2015-06-10 at 4.20.54 PM

In a chat screen, Hangouts now looks a lot more like iMessage with its floating, rounded conversation bubbles. A new menu bar along the bottom of the message entry field replaces the paperclip icon, and allows for quick addition of pictures, emoji or a location to your messages.

Your avatar no longer shows up in the chat window, and the color scheme has been reversed; your comments are in white, while incoming messages are in green.

The <3 of EU tech

The latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!

Sadly, the tablet version of Hangouts still doesn’t look special. It’s basically a blown-up version of the original in this early look at Hangouts 4.0 — something we hope changes ahead of release, whenever that may be.

An Exclusive Early Look At Hangouts 4.0 [Android Police]

Get the TNW newsletter

Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.

Also tagged with