Google Hangouts - what is it? Clearly explained

Google has many services, including Google Hangouts. We'll show you exactly what Google Hangouts is and how it works.

What is Google Hangouts? It is explained here

• Google Hangouts is Google’s messenger. Hangouts let you write messages, make phone calls, and video chat.
• Messenger is integrated in several Google services. Among other things, you can use Hangouts in Gmail, Google Plus and the Chrome browser.
• Google Hangouts can also be used like WhatsApp on the smartphone. Simply download Hangouts for iOS or Hangouts for Android. If your chat partner does not have a Google account, the messages are sent as SMS.
• The Hangout on Air feature lets you record a video conversation with your friends and then share it on Google Plus and YouTube. With Hangout on Air you can only film yourself with your webcam.

This is how Google Hangouts works

• If you want to use Google Hangouts, all you need to log in is your Google account. If you don't have an account yet, you can create a Google account for free.
• Your friends from Gmail, Google Plus and all other contacts are already in your friends list. You can simply write to them or call them.
• Phone calls for Hangouts are made over the Internet. If you call a contact directly, the call is free. As in Skype, you also have the option of dialing correct cell phone and landline numbers. A call to a German landline, for example, costs 1 cent per minute. Here you can find an overview of all Hangouts prices.

On the next page, we'll show you how to start a hangout on Google.