14 DAY TRIAL // Android users who have yet to download the Hangouts APK file that leaked online shortly after Google released the source code and image factory for Android 4.4 KitKat will be happy to know that the application has just been updated with new features.
These features were only supported by Android 4.4 KitKat, thus they were only available on the Nexus 5 smartphone. However, with the latest version of Hangouts, users will be able to take advantage of the same features.
The most important change is the addition of SMS/MMS support in Hangouts for all devices powered by Android 4.0 and up. This means that you will be able to send and receive text messages with Hangouts.
Users will also be able to import their existing messages, as well as quickly switch between SMS and Hangouts, and start group MMS conversations.
As we reported last week, Hangouts 2.0 comes with support for animated GIFs as well. With the new feature, users will be able to send animated GIFs, like cute kittens and such.
There's a new location share feature that does exactly what it says, it can share a location in your conversations and nothing else.
Last but not least, Hangouts users will now be able to share what device they're on, whether they're on a call, or simply their current mood.
Keep in mind that Hangouts replaces the Messaging application from within Android platform, but you can, at any time, download and install any other third-party service and start using it right away.
The bad news is that Hangouts messages and text messages aren't grouped together in the same conversation thread as one might expect. You will notice that each has its own conversation thread and it will remain that way until Google makes it better in a future update.
You can now download Hangouts for Android 2.0 for free via Softpedia. Keep in mind that the application should be fully compatible with all devices running Android 2.3 and up. The SMS/MMS integration is only compatible with Android 4.0 and higher.