It’s been a busy year so far in social, with Facebook snapping up WhatsApp for $20billion and Twitter rebranding its Marketing Platform.

Not to be forgotten, Google has given its Hangouts app a thorough refresh that makes it look a lot like – many of the other more popular messaging apps.

Roll call

Hangouts 2.0 not only features a new look, but also comes with a range of upgrades that Google outlined in a blog post including stickers, location sharing and video messages.

The iOS app has also been optimised for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

Imitation or flattery?

While Hangouts has always offered free video and voice calling, this update appears to be a clear move towards the increasingly competitive, and crowded, messaging market.

With Facebook's recent acquisition of WhatsApp and the seemingly inexorable rise of SnapChat, it makes sense that Google wants to snap up a piece of the messaging pie.

Whether the aesthetic change will be enough to lure new users remains to be seen. 

To find out more visit plus.google.com. 

If you enjoyed this article then subscribe FREE to the twice weekly SMK Digital Bulletin, click here now or visit www.smk.net.au/subscribe.

Also, click here download a FREE Social Media Policy Research Paper – worth $495. This FREE in-depth 17 page paper features insights from both communications and legal experts at the likes of: National Australia Bank (NAB), Edelman, Corrs Chambers Westgarth, Social@Ogilvy, SMK – Social Media Knowledge, The Victorian Electoral Commission. Or visit www.smk.net.au/downloads for details.