Google+ allows 'Hangout' video chat from posts, mobile

Users of Google’s upcoming social network Google+ can now have an easier time starting a “Hangouts” video chat, this time directly from their posts and from mobile devices.

 

Google engineering senior vice president Vic Gundotra said the new Hangouts feature can let one go beyond “status updates,” and connect with friends and family using multi-person video.

 

“(W)e’re making it easy to start a hangout from any post on Google+. Just click ‘Hangout’ underneath a post that you’re passionate about, and we’ll add your invitation to the comments. If others are hanging out already, you’ll see their invitation in the comments as well,” Gundotra said in a blog post.

 

He also said Google is bringing hangouts to Google+ Messenger on mobile devices, where users simply tap the new hangout icon when the time is right.

 

For mobile devices, Gundotra said the new Google+ app with the new feature will be available in Android Market within a few days, and is coming soon to the iOS App Store.

 

Also, Gundotra said they are now turning on the “Hangouts On Air” – which allows them to share live performances and peace talks – for “hundreds more” public figures, celebrities and other Google+ users with large followings.

 

The “Hangouts On Air” will be completely self-service, “so you can broadcast whenever you’re in the mood,” he added.

 

Gundotra said the feature will also be integrated with YouTube, “so once you’re off the air, we’ll upload a full-length (and private) recording to your account.”

 

Easter egg

 

Google also added a new Easter egg to Hangouts – digital antlers for December, following the digital moustaches for “Movember,” a moustache-growing event held during November to raise funds and awareness for men’s health issues. — TJD, GMA News