Interesting Facts You Must Know About Google Hangouts

Many Gmail users do not realize that they have a Hangouts option. And even if they do use it, they are not aware of its tricks, which makes its use even more interesting.

Why compose a new mail each time when you can chat on Hangouts, which is just like any other texting application.

Below we shall talk about some cool tricks you can do with the desktop version and didn’t know about Hangouts.

1. Doodling

If you’re a Snapchat user, you’ll be well aware of doodling and how much fun it is. Well, wondering why have we dragged Snapchat into this?

Hangouts too has a cool doodling feature where you can draw anything you want and be creative. To use the doodle option:

• Hover on the picture icon in the lower-right corner of the chat-box on the screen.
• A pencil icon will appear. Click on the icon.
• The next window will be a plain white sheet where you can draw.
• You can choose between brush sizes, color, etc.
• Once you’re done doodling, tap on the ‘Send’ button. The picture will then appear in the main message box.

Note: Once you send your doodle, all other participants can edit and make changes to it. This can create a doodle conversation and a chain with doodle drawings each time you edit and add something.

2. Using Emojis

A lot could be said and expressed via emojis when you can’t cage in words. Hangouts enable you to use cartoon stickers and emojis for a fun conversation.

To get to use a wide variety of emojis, click on the ‘Smiley’ icon in the chat-box, which will open a pop-up window with a lot of emojis that can avoid typing a message.

To add an emoji, tap on it and send it. Later, you can doodle and make changes to that emoji sticker as well. For doodling, hover your mouse on the sticker and tap on the pencil icon. The rest of the steps remain the same.

3. Using Images

Adding pictures to your Hangouts conversation is not much of a task. Here’s how you can do the same by following the steps below:

• Click on the ‘Picture’ icon on the bottom of your chat-box.
• Tap on the ‘Upload Photos’ button and browse through the files on your computer.
• Some other options present along with ‘Upload Photos’ are:
• Auto Backup: It backs up any Photos from your android device to your Google, automatically.
• Photos: It refers to anything or any images uploaded to your Google Photo service.
• Albums: These are the folders that hold images from past conversations.
• Video Search: This feature enables you to search for links to YouTube videos directly.
• Web Camera: It allows you to take pictures from your Webcam and send it to people.

You can doodle on these pictures as well by following the steps mentioned for doodling.

4. Real-Time Video Chat

Hangouts enable you to video call anyone connected to your account. All you need to do is, click on the movie camera icon on the top of the chat-box, and there you go.

You can add other participants as well to the video call. Also, you can use animations in real-time by choosing the ‘Google Effects’ from the left side of the window while the video call is on.

Note: To be able to video chat, you must get Hangouts Plugin installed.

5. Place Phone Calls From your PC

You can make any phone calls you want from your system directly. Isn’t it cool? For placing International calls, extra credit is to be paid.

To call anyone, go to the chat-box of that person and click on the call button on the top of your window.

6. Create a Group

If you want a conversation going with a bunch of other people in the form of a group, you can create a group by adding people to the list.

Tap on the ‘+’ sign on your screen and keep adding people by tapping on the check-boxes of the ones you want to add.

7. Getting to Use Hidden Animations

Hidden animations are called ‘Easter Eggs’ which can be sent by putting a secret phrase or keywords. It is a hidden feature added by the developers; God knows why!

8. Customize your Settings

You can change certain settings for your conversations by clicking on the ‘Settings’ icon on the upper-right corner of your chat window.

For example, you can turn off the notifications for anyone if you don’t want to get notified about the messages from that particular person. You can also ‘Block’ someone, anytime you want.

John Smith is a creative person who has been writing blogs and articles about cybersecurity. He writes about the latest updates regarding and how it can improve the work experience of users. His articles have been published in many popular e-magazines, blogs, and websites.

Source:- https://broad-blogs.uk.com/interesting-facts-you-must-know-about-google-hangouts/