Google Hangouts for iOS Gains Share Extension and Low Power Mode Support

[MacRumors]

Google has updated its Hangouts app for iPhone and iPad with a native iOS Share Sheet extension and support for Low Power mode.

Google Hangouts for iOS enables users to send and receive instant messages and group messages, share photos, and make video and voice calls using the company's cross-platform communication service. Users can also connect up to Google Voice via the service to link their personal phone numbers, enable SMS and activate voice recognition.

The Share extension in version 9.0 of Hangouts means users can now share text, links, images, and video from other apps on their device, while the Low Power support essentially means that the app will now automatically turn off video when the device's battery is depleted to 20% or lower.

The Share extension can be activated by tapping the Share button within the app, selecting "More" at the end of the Share Sheet, and toggling the switch next to Hangouts to the ON position.

Google Hangouts is a free download on the App Store for iPhone and iPad. [Direct Link]

Article Link: Google Hangouts for iOS Gains Share Extension and Low Power Mode Support

 

[H2SO4]

In before ‘I’m not sharing my data with Google so they can monetise me……...'

 

[Sirious]

I just learnt that apps need to "support" low power mode. That's probably why it never works for me lol

 

[mattopotamus]

Somewhat related:

At my work we use google hangouts. The app works great on android phones, but on IOS devices the app "thinks" I am trying to SMS people and it gives me an error stating, "domain administrator has disabled this feature". It is beyond annoying!

 

[aforty]

It's seriously about time. I believe this is one of the reasons that Facebook Messenger is eating their lunch.

 

[Keane16]

I just learnt that apps need to "support" low power mode. That's probably why it never works for me lol

It works at the system level, and the app level.

When enabled system level functionality will be reduced (networking, animations etc.). Additionally apps can detect Low Power Mode is enabled and can limit features, like the Hangouts app turns off video.

So Low Power Mode savings vary (quite a bit) depending on the apps you have and the settings they have enabled. This guy for instance saw substantial improvements:

http://birchtree.me/blog/wqoc7twm9a26g29pbwkvjikqju8tz7/

 

[vertsix]

I've been waiting for this feature for so long.

All they need to do is incorporate 3D Touch shortcuts and I'll be super happy.

 

[spacemnspiff]

Its has horrible UI for a Google Voice calling feature in the app. I can't understand why simple features like toggling speaker phone or calling a contact is so convoluted. The UI during the call is really atrocious.

 

[Sill]

Somebody throw me a clue here and tell me why its so important that someone came out with a calling app for a .... phone? What is so special about Google Voice that its better than using the actual phone technology that makes the phone a phone?

 

[C DM]

Somebody throw me a clue here and tell me why its so important that someone came out with a calling app for a .... phone? What is so special about Google Voice that its better than using the actual phone technology that makes the phone a phone?

The ability to make and receive calls using a data connection (basically WiFi, for example).

 

[Sill]

The ability to make and receive calls using a data connection (basically WiFi, for example).

Isn't that supposed to be coming up in iOS v.whatever, shortly?

 

[C DM]

Isn't that supposed to be coming up in iOS v.whatever, shortly?

Well, there's FaceTime video and audio that can be used between Apple devices, but not for basically regular calling, and there's WiFi calling which iOS supports and the more recent iPhones support, but the use of that depends on your cellular provider as far as them actually offering it and how it works for example when you are outside of your home country and the like. Google Voice's calling abilities that use data have been around before WiFi calling and are still there now even when WiFi calling isn't an option.

 

[spacemnspiff]

The ability to make and receive calls using a data connection (basically WiFi, for example).

This is exactly why I use it for, to make VOIP calls to other phone lines. I have limited minutes on my grandfathered plan with ATT, 550 shared minutes with wife. If I make a conference call when working from home for an hour or two, I can easily do that with Google voice without worrying about burning through my minutes.

 

[richwoodrocket]

Been waiting for this feature for a long time. Google is finally catching up. I think the only thing the hangouts app is missing is image previews in notifications, but obviously apple doesn't allow that.