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For more than two years now, we’ve known that Google was planning to do away with its classic Hangouts app in favor of opening up Google Chat to those who don’t have Google Workspace. With the migration scheduled for the first half of 2021, Google Chat is preparing a beta test to open the app to Hangouts users for preview.
About APK Insight: In this “APK Insight” article, we have decompiled the latest version of an app that Google uploaded to the Play Store. When we decompile these files (called APKs, in the case of Android apps), we are able to see different lines of code in this clue about possible future functionality. Keep in mind that Google may or may never provide these features, and our interpretation of what they are may be flawed. We will, however, try to allow those that are about to be completed to show you what they will look like in the event that they are dispatched. With that in mind, read on.
Google Chat “Consumer Beta”
In October, Google shared a rough timeline for the transition from Hangouts to Google Chat, indicating that the migration would take place in the “first half of 2021”. Specifically, this migration will move your chat history, contacts, and more from the Hangouts app to Google Chat.
Currently, if you open the Google Chat app on a non-Workspace account – any Google account that ends with @gmail.com or @googlemail.com – it just tells you that you don’t have chat access, give or take some exceptions like being invited to an existing workspace.
Google Chat received an update earlier this month to version 2021.01.24, and there we find that Google seems to be planning an early beta preview period for the average person who uses Hangouts to switch to the Chat app.
Welcome to Google Chat
“Google Chat introduces a new experience and features not found in Hangouts. Since this is a preview of the new chat, you may encounter bugs and other issues. “
In fact, even if you don’t install the full Google Chat app, you’ll still have the option to try out the new experience. A similar Gmail “2021.01.24” update includes more information on how this Google Chat beta preview period works for Hangouts fans.
Try Google Chat in Gmail
“Switching to the Google Chat preview lets you try out the new experience and new features.
Since this is a preview, you may encounter bugs and other issues.
You can revert to your old chat setting at any time. “
During the preview period, you should be able to switch between Classic Hangouts and Google Chat, including adding Google Chat integration directly into the Gmail app. This should take the form of “Chat” and “Rooms” tabs joining the current mix of “Mail” and “Meet” tabs in Gmail, as was first featured last year.
Based on how Google repeatedly describes it, this beta preview period is meant to ensure that when classic Hangouts finally comes to an end, Chat is ready to take on the role of Google’s primary messaging app. By the time the full migration takes place later this year, all issues will hopefully have been resolved for a seamless transition.
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