Starting with the text and video chat, the Hangouts for Android will include 16 new sticker packs ranging from "penguins to pirates, koalas to cats". For video, the app will have new video filters that include modes like sepia, vignette, black & white, and more. Users will just need to swipe during a video call to try these new styles, says Google.
(Also see: Users Can Now Share Google Drive Files Within a Hangouts Video Call)
If users confirm their phone numbers in Hangouts, their discovery via phone digits will be easier in search. Additionally, Google has also added a new WhatsApp-like 'last seen' timestamp for Hangouts, which will roll out in waves over the next few weeks.
Lastly, the company says that the updated Hangouts for Android will show smart suggestions right in the conversations, which is similar to Google Calendar, Google Now cards and others, where it offers suggestions and even brings up features based on the user interest or searched query.
(Also see: India Users Can Now Make Voice Calls From Google Hangouts; First Minute Free to 24 Countries)
"When you're trying to meet up with friends in real life and someone asks, 'Where are you?', Hangouts can now understand what you need and offer to help. You'll see a one-tap option to share your location right in the conversation, without you needing to hunt around in a map, drop a pin and send your position," noted Rhett Robinson on Google+ post, taking about the new smart suggestions feature.Catch the latest from the Consumer Electronics Show on Gadgets 360, at our CES 2026 hub.