On 8th January 2024, Google updated the Hangouts mobile application, which is also known as Google Chats. In this new update, there are many minute but significant changes that make the application more user-friendly.
Among these updates, Google also updated the logo of the mobile application, from a green chat bubble to a rectangular colorful chat bubble similar to the other Google Workspace applications.
The update is available for Android mobile users, who have Play Store on their devices. In this blog, we’ll go through the new updates and changes in the Google Chats application.
What’s New
In the new update, Google Hangouts has been through a makeover, to make the application more accessible, aesthetically pleasing, and a part of the Google Workspace.
Now, users can navigate through the application with ease and find chats through the navigation bar, mute or unmute their chats depending on the wish of the user, create customizable emojis, and create group chats.
The Cool Stuff
Some features may not be as exciting or crucial as these new updates, which makes the application fun for the users and improves their chatting experience. Along with a new look, Google Chat now also has better features like a new icon and clearer status bar.
1. Fancy New Logo
In the recent update, Google Chats got a fresh look from the old green chat bubble, it is now a new rectangle with all of Google’s bright colors: red, green, yellow, and blue. This change makes Google Chats look like all the other Google Workspace apps.
While the new logo looks good, some people are worried. They say that all the Google apps now look too similar, and it’s hard to tell them apart. People think the Google Chats logo is a lot like the Google Meet logo, and sometimes, you might skip one app thinking it’s the other.
Even though it’s a sleek change, users are pointing out that it might cause confusion between different Google Workspace apps.
2. Icon Glow-Up
The new update makes the app look more personal and fun with themed icons. Now, when you pick a theme color, it doesn’t just stay in the background, it spreads its colors all over the app. From the chat bubbles to the buttons you click, everything shows off the colors you like.
It’s like giving your app a special look just for you. It is a way of making things look nice and makes using the app more enjoyable. It’s not just about completing tasks, but completing tasks the way you like it.
3. Status Bar Icons – Now Clearer!
No more struggling to see those small icons. Google Chats has fixed that problem. Now, the icons that show if someone is online, away, or busy look much better. They have clearer lines and brighter colors, making it easy to see even on small screens. It is a piece of great news, especially if you use a phone or a small tablet.
These changes make the Google Chats app look nicer and help you see things better. Whether you’re using a big computer or a little phone, you can now see if your friends or co-workers are online without any trouble.
With this update, Google wants to make sure that everyone, no matter what device they use, can enjoy chatting with clear icons. So, you can enjoy the new and improved Google Chats with better icons and have an easier time chatting online.
Why You’ll Love It
Google Chat is now super easy to use, and you’ll love it! Why? Because they added cool stuff that makes chatting fun and easy. You can make your chats look awesome by choosing a theme. Pick colors you like.
If you have ever missed a message that was just for you in a big group chat? That problem is also fixed with a special tab just for messages that mention you. Now, important chats won’t slip away. Finding someone in your contacts also got way easier with the new navigation bar. No more endless scrolling. Just type the name and, you’re in the chat.
With themes, mentions, and easy navigation, chatting has never been this awesome and stress-free. Try it, and you’ll see why Google Chat is your new favorite way to connect with friends, family, or anyone you chat with.
What’s in It for You
1. Good Vibes Only
Google Chat now feels even better with cool features. You can make it your own with themes and emojis. Pick colors you like and add fun emojis to your chats.
There’s a new button to mute or unmute your chats. You’re in control. Choose when you want to get notifications or take a break. It’s all about making chatting just the way you want.
Moving around is easier too, thanks to the bottom bar. Tap to go to different parts quickly. It’s like a shortcut to home or group chats. No more searching around!
With these changes, Google Chat is not just for chatting. It’s your own space to express, organize, and enjoy talking with others. The mix of fun features and easy navigation makes your time in Google Chat not just useful but also really nice.
2. Everything Matches
The new Google Chat update makes the app logo more colorful and nice to look at. Now, it matches other Google apps, so it’s easier to know which app you’re using.
You can also keep all your Google apps together in one place, making it simple to find them. It helps you keep your work things organized and not all over the place. The colorful logo makes the app feel fresh and enjoyable. With everything looking the same, it’s like all your apps are part of one big family.
Now, using Google Chat is not just about talking but also about enjoying bright and happy colors. It’s like having a colorful party every time you open the app!
3. Easy Peasy Navigation
With the latest Google Chat update, moving around the app is now much easier. There’s a small pill-shaped box at the bottom of the screen. Inside this box, you’ll find tabs for Home, Direct Messages, spaces, and mentions. It’s like a handy toolbox that directs you exactly where you want to go within the app.
Before, finding your chats and spaces felt a bit like searching through a vast room. But now, with these distinct tabs, it’s like having dedicated shelves for each item. If you want to go to your Home, just tap the Home tab. If you need to check your Direct Messages, tap on that specific tab. It’s incredibly straightforward.
Also, there’s a new search bar at the top that serves as a helpful assistant. It’s like having a little guide to locate something in the room. If you can’t recall where a particular chat or space is, just type it in the search bar, and you can find it.
These updates make the Google Chat experience feel like a guided tour, ensuring you effortlessly reach your desired destination within the app.
How to Get the Upgrade
Until this update, many people were unaware of the Google Hangouts application or didn’t use it frequently. So, if you don’t have Google Chats on your device, you can go to the Google Play store, search for Google Chats, and install it.
If you already have Google Hangouts on your device, follow these steps to get the upgraded version:
Step 1: Go to Play Store and Search for Google Chats
Open the Google Play Store, and you can either look for new updates or go to the search bar and look for Google Chats.
Step 2: Click on Install or Update Button
Afterward, you will see the application with two options- Install or update.
If your application is already updated, you will see uninstall or open as options, which means that your Google Chats app is already up to date.
If you have an update as an option, click on the update button, and wait for the installation process to complete.
How to Experience the New Look
To try the new Google Chats, you can install the app on your device. Once installed, you can make calls to your friends, and family, and even invite your co-workers or classmates to join.
It allows you to explore all the new features and conveniently manage your essential work using Google, all in one place. Whether you want to stay connected with loved ones or collaborate with colleagues, the updated Google Chats provides a user-friendly platform to bring everything together.
It’s a simple way to experience a more organized and connected way of communication, making it easier to handle both personal and professional matters efficiently. So, go ahead, give it a try, and see how the new Google Chats can enhance your communication and productivity.
Conlcusion
In summary, the changes in Google Chat make it more fun and easy to use. Now, you can choose cool colors for your chats, making them look just the way you like.
The new Mentions tab is handy, showing messages meant just for you in group chats. Plus, finding someone is a breeze with the navigation bar. Even though the logo change makes Google Chat look like its friends in Google Workspace, some people find it a bit tricky to tell them apart. Still, Google Chat is a friendly app, that lets you set your style and makes chatting simple and enjoyable.
Whether you’re talking with friends or working with your team, Google Chat keeps getting better, making it a top pick for chatting and collaborating.
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