Been wondering when you might be able to dump the bothersome voice and messaging plan on your cellular bill, and pay only your data plan while enjoying phone and SMS functionality? Well, wonder no more – Google Hangouts’ latest update on iOS brings exactly that functionality to all your iOS devices.
With the latest version of Google Hangouts, iOS users with iPods, iPhones and iPads will be able to make outgoing phone calls, receive incoming phone calls and send and receive text (SMS) messages. Oh, and all this for free (if you are receiving and sending phone calls or messages to US and Canada numbers, that is.) Even getting your own Google Voice number is … you guessed it, free. (Calls to international phone numbers cost a bit on a per-minute basis, and international SMS messages are not supported.)
The features, announced by a Google manager in a Google+ update, allow users on iPod Touch and iPad devices without a celllar connection to use phone functionality on their devices with just a WiFi connection. And if you have 3G or 4G data support on your device, you will be able to have phone functionality on the move while dropping your voice and SMS part of the plan.
One does wonder how long Google will keep this free for, however. Most services are supported by ad revenue that supports most Google operations, and its unknown if and whether Google would charge for the voice and SMS services. Also, the company has a history of axing free consumer services after a few years if it sees little or no traction on such services.
Oh, and are you an Android user irate that this feature isn’t on Google Hangouts on your Android phone yet? Fear not, Google Senior Vice President Vic Gundotra tried to quell Android fans on Google+, saying that “Guys, don’t worry. We have massive investment in Android. I promise you will be happy soon. Don’t get upset because we show some love to Google users who use iOS. There are a lot of them.” Several Internet commentors have speculated that Google could be planning a Hangouts update and announcement to coincide with its launch of Android 4.4 (codenamed KitKat) and Nexus 5 devices.
If you’re a heavy Google user who loves Google Voice and uses its voice and SMS features on your desktop, this should be a welcome (and cost effective) addition to your mobile device. If you’re worried about your privacy and that you might be selling your privacy to Google in exchange for the no-cost voice/SMS features, well, there’s always the good ol’ paid cellular plans that you’re familiar with.
