Google India Updates Gmail with Hangouts: All That You Need To Know From Features to How to Use?

Google has launched its much talked video sharing feature for those who are using Gmail, and Google + services, according to the company's official blog post. The instant video sharing service is now in a full blown mode for Gmail users in in the nation. The added feature simply allows a user to use Goggle + Hangouts within Gmail. With this feature, a user is allowed to have a group chat with as many as 9 members at once. Earlier, a Gmail user was bound to interact with one person at a time.

To activate "Hangouts" feature, user has to have a Google + account. Then only, the true power of "Hangouts" will be achieved. The feature is useless, if your Gmail peer, is absent from Google + network. In order to get full advantage of this unique service, both parties must have an account in Google +. The service is still tied up with Google +. The added feature is fully functional with PC, Android, and iOS ready devices.

Google Hangout - A video sharing feature or just a gimmick

In 2008, Google introduces a new video chat feature for Gmail users. It was looked as a killer feature, as it gave freedom to chat face- to- face. Then comes "Hangout", a value- added feature attached to Google +, a Facebook killer introduced by Google. The software giant added this Gmail feature within Google +, back in July, 2012. Now the company introduced this feature in India.

With this feature users can invite as many as 9 Gmail friends; those having Google + accounts, and later invite them to have a group video chat. The feature is very unique in a sense that many SMEs can take advantage of it.

As video conferencing adds billing to the roof; the coming of free feature like "Hangouts", will benefit many. Even students can discuss college projects with an ease, and jointly make presentations before the last day of submission.

Hangouts will also let users watch YouTube videos with friends, collaborate on Google Docs, or play games by adding apps from the menu on the left.

The "Social" feature found in " Google + Hangouts , takes full - advantage of other Google branded services including Google Drive, YouTube among others.

How to Hangout?

Want to try Hangouts? Just click on the hangout button at the top of your chat list in Gmail. You can also schedule a hangout with Google Calendar, and use the Google+ app for Android and iOS to hang out while you are on the go.

Competition Check

Apart from Google + Hangouts, there are plenty of services offered by Apple, and Microsoft. The Skype service by Microsoft is the oldest video chat platform. Apple, too, have a video chat option in the form of FaceTime video sharing platform. The FaceTime by Apple is limited to Apple users.