One chat app to rule them all —

Google Hangouts on mobile finally integrates SMS

A Hangouts update brings SMS, GIF support, and location sharing to mobile

Google Hangouts on mobile finally integrates SMS
Google

Google has announced a few major upgrades to Hangouts, its Android and iOS instant messaging app.

The most long-awaited (and leaked) feature, SMS integration, will finally go live sometime today. Just like iMessage on iOS, Hangouts will seamlessly integrate both kinds of text communication into a single app and choose the appropriate service based on contact availability. Google Voice, Google's portable phone number and SMS service, was not mentioned, so it sounds like those users will have to wait longer for support.

The new version of Hangouts will also support animated GIFs, so users will be able to send hilarious animated images to their friends. Location sharing is included, too—with a single button, users will be able to embed a map and a Google Maps link showing their current location.

Channel Ars Technica