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Google offers two different communication platforms, namely Google Chat and Hangouts. Direct messaging, group chats, and Rooms for team collaboration are all features that are available through Google Chat, which is a professional messaging platform designed for use in the workplace. It also allows bot integrations and app connectors, and it interacts easily with the Google Workspace apps.
On the other side, Hangouts is a more relaxed messaging and video chat platform designed for one-on-one and small group conversations. Users are able to carry on conversations via instant messaging, make audio and video calls, and even host live video conferences with the help of this platform. Hangouts offers a wider variety of communication options for personal usage, in contrast to Google Chat, which is primarily intended for the purpose of professional cooperation.
Google Chat vs Hangouts Comparison Table
| Specification | Google Chat | Hangouts |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Professional communication | Personal and small group communication |
| Messaging Features | Direct messaging, group chats, threaded conversations | Instant messaging, group chats |
| Collaboration Tools | Rooms for team collaboration, integration with Google Workspace apps | N/A |
| Video Calls | Limited video call functionality, primarily focused on text-based communication | Video calls, voice calls, live video conferences |
| Accessibility | Available on web browsers and mobile apps | Available on web browsers and mobile apps |
| Integration | Integrates with Google Workspace apps | Integrated feature within other Google services like Gmail |
What is Google Chat ?
Google Chat is a way to send messages and work together. It was made by Google. It is a part of the Google Workspace suite of tools for getting work done and is made for business communication. Users can send direct messages to other users or form group chats to work as a team. It allows threaded conversations, which make it easy for users to keep track of conversations and go back to messages they’ve already read. Google Chat also has “Rooms,” which are virtual places where teams can work on projects together, share files, and have ongoing conversations. It works well with other Google Workspace apps and lets users share files, work together on documents, and plan meetings right from the chat window.
What is Hangouts ?
Google made Hangouts, which is a way to send messages and video chat with other people. It’s made for one-on-one and small-group conversations. Users can talk to each other through instant chat, make voice and video calls, and even host live video conferences with Hangouts. Users can send texts to specific people or set up group chats to talk to more than one person at once. Hangouts also lets you make voice and video calls, so you can talk to your friends in real time using both audio and video. During conversations, you can also share pictures, videos, and emojis through Hangouts. It can be used through computer browsers, mobile apps, and as a part of other Google services like Gmail. You can visit its official website
Which is better ?
Your needs will determine whether you should use Google Chat or Hangouts. Google Chat is a better choice if you want to use a tool for business contact and collaboration. It has tools like direct messaging, group chats, and Rooms, and it works well with other Google Workspace apps. It is meant to make workers more productive and make it easier for them to work together. On the other hand, Hangouts is a good choice if you want to talk to people one-on-one or in small groups. It lets you send quick messages, make voice and video calls, and use it on many different devices. In the end, the best choice relies on whether professional collaboration or personal communication is more important to you.
Google Chat: The good and The bad
The Good
- For professional communication and collaboration
- Easy-to-track threaded conversations
The Bad
- Primarily focused on professional use
Hangouts : The good and The bad
The Good
- Instant messaging and group chats
- Accessible across various devices
The Bad
- Not specifically designed for professional collaboration
FAQS
Chat will never be able to fully replace Hangouts, but it has more tools for group chats and security and collaboration tools like Spaces and the ability to change Docs, Slides, or Sheets with other users.
If you switch to Google Chat, you can meet and work in new and better ways. For example, users can change Docs, Slides, and Sheets side by side, which makes it easier to work together and keep talking. Google Chat also has Spaces, a place where people can work together on specific topics.