Google Changes Gmail Video Chat To Google Hangouts

[engine]

Google Changes Video Chat To Google+ Hangouts [gmailblog.blogspot.co.uk]

...video chat is being upgraded to a more modern video calling technology -- Google+ Hangouts.

Unlike the old video chat, which was based on peer-to-peer technology, Hangouts utilize the power of Google’s network to deliver higher reliability and enhanced quality. You’ll be able to chat with all the same people you did before and, in fact, with Hangouts you’ll now be able to reach them not only when they are using Gmail but also if they are on Google+ in the browser or on their Android or iOS devices.

All Gmail users will benefit from this upgrade, but if you and the person you're chatting with also use Google+, you’ll get even more from the Hangouts experience.

[Sgt_Kickaxe]

With Google+ being imposed everywhere we should see some significant reach, and hopefully use, improvements. Maybe? O.K, probably not. Do you think forcing people to switch is the right way to go with G+?

We're going to find out, aren't we.

[Strapworks]

Stalking now became easier, LOL

[albo]

Plus: caller-ID on steroids.

[loner]

This sounds almost lonely.

[Seb7]

Unlike the old video chat, which was based on peer-to-peer technology

And what's wrong with peer to peer? Whats wrong in having the fastest connection between two devices?

I wouldn't be surprised if Google is being pressurised to change the technology as to allow government snooping; just like whats happened with Skype.