The Google Hangouts app has received a new update that adds support for sending GIFs through the Image keyboard. However, only users with smartphones running Android 7.1 can use this new feature.
Google pushed out a new Hangouts version 15 on to the Play Store today, but the update only adds new features for Android 7.1 users. As of now, only the latest Google Pixel and Nexus smartphones run the latest Android software.
Google Hangouts Update
The messaging client from Google has been getting a lot of new features lately. Google added the ability to send GIFs in the Android 7.1 developer preview a few weeks ago, as per Android Authority. Now, the update is available for the public, well, those who own a smartphone running Android 7.1.
The GIFs can be accessed via the image keyboard on the Hangouts app. Tapping the emoji button on the standard keyboard will now also reveal a GIF button on the right side of the spacebar. Users can search for GIFs or choose from the popular ones. According to 9to5Google, the GIFs are not available in Google Voice, but only in Hangouts which is a bit of a disappointment for users of the app.
Apart from the added support for GIFs, Hangouts version 15 update also fixes a notification bug that was present in the previous version. The notifications used to show up in the form of group messages, even if it were from a single sender. That has been fixed in the latest update.
Download Google Hangouts 15.0
The latest Google Hangouts update just hit the Play Store and may not be available for download in all regions. It is best to wait for a few days and then check the Play Store for updates. Also, since the update brings new features to just Android 7.1 users, there will not be a lot of eager users.
