Google Hangouts for Android gets a major upgrade as developers have rolled version 4.0 with a cleaner and simpler design and a better optimized speed.
In Google's official blog, Google Hangouts 4.0 for Android was announced, along with a promise of a "simpler, faster, more beautiful" online experience to its users.
According to the blog, the new Google Hangouts for Android update addresses bug problems in the past versions, which caused "hold-ups" in people's conversations.
"We've been obsessively fixing bugs and speeding up message delivery to make Hangouts faster and more reliable," Google Communicationg Product Manager, Amit Fulay wrote.
With faster speed in sending and receiving messages, version 4.0 promises less battery consumption for users' devices.
The design, according to the blog, is updated with "material design," going for a more fluid transitions.
"Items respond to your touch in more intuitive ways and transitions between tasks are more fluid," it said.
Furthermore, a new compose button at the bottom right of the screen makes sending messages easier. Click it and you'll be given an option to enter anyone of your Google Hangouts friends' names in an individual or group message - much like Facebook messages.
"The new Compose button makes it easier for you to start a new group or conversation," the blog said. "Our streamlined contacts list helps you find the right person quickly."
It also boasts of faster and a simplified interface for sending multiple photos, users' location, emojis and even GIFs.
To top it all off, Google Hangouts for Android adds an Outbound Caller ID feature "so your friends won't get anymore calls from the great 'Unknown,' cheaper calls via Hangouts Dialer and enable users to reply in Hangouts messages using Google Voice.
The custom status message feature also makes a comeback in Google Hangouts 4.0 for users who want to share a piece of their mind even when they are offline.
The 4.0 version of Google Hangouts for Android is now available in Play Store while iOS users may also download or update the new version in the Apple App Store.
