Google Chat will be available as beta in Gmail, Hangouts
Since 2019, news indicating the end of Google Hangouts app has been circulating. Google plans to replace it with the Google Chat app, which is currently available to Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) customers only. Migration to Google Chat is set to take place in the first half of 2021. The feature will soon be available as a beta program open to Hangouts users.
Google Chat will allow migrating Hangouts data during beta program
In October, Google said the migration will bring users' conversation history and contacts from Hangouts to Google Chat. Google Chat is free to download on Play Store but signing in doesn't give you access to the app unless you have been invited to an existing workspace. Google Chat's "2021.01.24" update indicates that the company is preparing a beta program for Hangouts users.
Chat beta will be added to an upcoming Gmail update
Google Chat beta will be integrated into an upcoming Gmail update. It will allow users to test features without installing the app. In the Gmail app, a Chat button will be added to the bottom bar which includes buttons for Mail, Rooms, and Meet. During the Chat preview in Gmail, users can switch back to Hangouts without losing their settings.
Google Chat users advise the company to combine communications apps
Google touts Chat as Hangouts' ideal successor. Some users reviewing Google Chat on Play Store opine that the company should integrate all its communications solutions such as Duo, Classroom, Gmail, and Chat into a single, all-encompassing app. The idea is that having separate apps for distinct use cases helps few people. Most others find it inconvenient to switch between apps for different purposes.
Hangouts shutdown delayed until March for Google Fi members
Some user reviews highlight Google Chat's bugs and connectivity issues, saying it's a poor replacement for Hangouts. In a related event, Google has deferred Hangouts' shutdown for Google Fi members until March. Google Fi allowed viewing SMS messages within Hangouts. Fi has been superseded by Google Messages. With Hangouts on its way out, people must make the switch to Google Messages for SMS.
