Google Hangouts Updated With New Features To v2.1.223

Google is updating Hangouts from version 2.1.100 to 2.1.223. With the new app-update installed in the handset, hangout users will be able to assign custom ringtones for individual contacts, which is a much needed feature that was absent in the app for a long time. Google Hangouts for Android was last updated in April with new homescreen widget and merged conversations.

Via the new update, Google has added a block list that shows all the blocked contacts in a list format at one place which makes its easy to unblock. If you are not aware, prior to this Hangouts only supported blocking individual SMS contacts, but did not display it. The latest update also gets Hidden Contacts feature.

Simply long-press on a Hangout contact (not phone contact) and select "Hide contact." That person won't appear in your list, but instead shows up in the hidden menu if you want to restore them later.

Google has also fixed the much overdue battery draining problem in this update which was a big concern. Few other minor changes along with a number of bug fixes has been added to Hangouts. The latest version will be available for download at the Google Play Store soon.

In the meantime users can use the APK from the source link and side-load manually. The APK is signed by Google and upgrades your existing app. To download, click here.