Google adds free voice calling to Google Hangouts for iOS, incoming calls to Google Voice
The Google Hangouts iOS app received a major update on Friday, with the latest iteration bringing free in-app voice calling to numbers within the U.S. and Canada, as well as incoming call support to a user's Google Voice number.
Google Hangouts for iOS version 1.3.0 allows iPhone, iPad and iPod touch owners to place in-app phone calls to any number in the United States and Canada. The new feature brings the software in line with Google Hangouts for desktop computers, which already boasts the functionality.
For now, free calling is limited to North America, though international calls can be made for a fee. In addition, users can now receive calls to their Google Voice numbers, which can be setup to ring the app directly.
Finally, the messaging side of the app now supports inline animated GIFs, while incoming messages will only pause music instead of stopping the track completely.
Google Hangouts for iOS is a free 12.5MB download from the App Store.
Google Hangouts for iOS version 1.3.0 allows iPhone, iPad and iPod touch owners to place in-app phone calls to any number in the United States and Canada. The new feature brings the software in line with Google Hangouts for desktop computers, which already boasts the functionality.
For now, free calling is limited to North America, though international calls can be made for a fee. In addition, users can now receive calls to their Google Voice numbers, which can be setup to ring the app directly.
Finally, the messaging side of the app now supports inline animated GIFs, while incoming messages will only pause music instead of stopping the track completely.
Google Hangouts for iOS is a free 12.5MB download from the App Store.
Comments
I already can make free calls both foreign and domestic using FaceTime. Nothing new here for me.
I had no idea that was possible - how can I ring someones landline using FaceTime?
Not needed on iOS.
FaceTime Voice is built-in and perfectly integrated. Thank You.
I already can make free calls both foreign and domestic using FaceTime. Nothing new here for me.
I had no idea that was possible - how can I ring someones landline using FaceTime?
You cannot (unless the person who receives the call has FaceTime).
You cannot (unless the person who receives the call has FaceTime).
Who the hell wants to talk to an Android user?
Damn, that's a nice feature. Presumably Google's paying for the calls, but will this be profitable enough (in terms of advertising impressions or data) to justify rolling it out outside the US? We'll have to wait and see. I also can't imagine the carriers are very happy about this.
I would actually think they love it. Most carriers have gone to (and are pushing) their mobile share plans. These plans have unlimited calls and texts, but charge for data. This (along with FaceTime and iMessage) uses data. So it is a win for them.
How long before DED writes a giant article about how Hangouts on iOS got free voice calling before Hangouts on Android and that Android is terrible because of it and then throws in a bunch of unrelated things as well while citing himself as his reference?
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http://www.apple.com/support/macbookair-flashdrive/
I'd say a big recall of a major product is pretty newsworthy.
Does anyone understand what Google's strategy is? I don't. They just seem to look for anything that technological change has made possible to now do for free, and do it.
That is their MO. Though it looks like they put in the effort to make that software as ugly and unintuitive as possible.
It is a big recall? It's not effecting my laptop. Yours? Or are you just being pissy and happy to see a first rate company assist with not so regular component issues?
I would hate to be that guy constantly looking and wishing for the next guys things to break in order to justify my painfully cheap spending habits. Sorry for you.
If
No one is gonna brag: "here first" crap with anything Android.
It only matters if you think Google and "free"
mean value and you don't care about privacy issues. Most 'droid users happily trade privacy for a free cup of coffee, atleast they all have a place to go to.
Social (anything) is always associated with free. You already know that so why play coy and suggest Apple and FREE TO ANYBODY go together.
No thank you, I'm great with FaceTime technology. Safe and Secure.
Google can keep it's hands off my personal conversations. Lolol!
Keep losing FTL
http://www.forbes.com/sites/andygreenberg/2013/06/17/apple-claims-it-encrypts-imessages-and-facetime-so-that-even-it-cant-read-them/
Free today yes, build up user base, then target with ads etc., ads is where they make their money.,,
Yes, if you make your money with ads, then looking for free things to pin them on makes sense...
But then that should make Google fairly predictable to a company like Apple that is in California and has their finger on the tech pulse, because they will know what tech changes are coming soon, and therefore what will soon possibly be free that wasn't before.
So would be same as the hangouts but without privacy issues and one less reason to install a google app.
Yes. It’s “laziness” that prevents them from doing this. Not hundreds of regulations, millions in fees, and forcing FaceTime to be a paid service for the first time ever.
Come on.