Google Talk which was probably the first chat messenger from Google for Android platform will soon be merged into Hangouts. In 2013, when Google replaced GTalk with Hangouts, the company still gave an option to users to continue using GTalk. However, after June 26, users will be automatically directed to Hangouts as their default chat messenger for Android. In any case, if you miss the look and feel of Google Talk, Hangouts gives you an option in settings which will offer you a similar experience.
Meanwhile, Google is also removing the SMS integration from Hangouts. Instead, Google will now focus on Android Messages and help people to adopt it as their primary SMS service.
A recent Google blog post read – “In the next few weeks, you’ll see a notification in the classic Hangouts App to switch to another SMS app already on your phone for SMS or to download Android Messages if one isn’t available. Choosing a new Messaging app will not impact your SMS message history, and all your messages will be accessible in whichever new app you choose.”
Other amendments include retiring following Gmail Labs – Authentication Icon, Google Voice Player, Picasa previews, Pictures in chat, Quick Links, Quote Selected Text, Smartlabels, and Yelp previews.
Moreover, Google is also removing the ability to email Google+ profile and the use Google+ Circles from the Gmail. However, this is expected to happen not before April 24, 2017.