Google Hangouts: A Distant Memory

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Today in my social media principles class we discussed how to use google hangouts. In our book "The Art of Social Media," Guy Kawasaki lays out a step by step process in how to get Google Hangouts going. From getting the right equipment to even the type of clothing you wear can play a role in how well hangouts is used. I think now is when this book really starts to date itself. Prior to this class, I had not used Hangouts since I was in the 9th grade. I used the group message feature heavily before I had a cell phone. The video chat came in handy for group projects and study sessions throughout high school.

Using Hangouts transitioned to Skype as time went on. The two platforms wee very similar but Google Hangouts was easier to use. I think from here Skype grew in popularity which overshadowed hangouts. In my mind Skype and Google Hangouts were what all the kids who didn't have an iphone used, which was true in my case. In college I began using as service called Zoom. Zoom utilizes all of the capabilities that Hangouts did, but the overall service appeared more professional. During the summer I had to perform conference calls with many customers and Zoom allowed me to do that with ease. I was able to share my screen, play videos from outside sources, add multiple people, and even control various functions of video and audio. I believe Google Hangouts paved the way for platforms such as Skype and Zoom but has now fallen in the background. Zoom has performed better for me with my field of study and is my go-to choice for any form of business call.

Until Next Time,
James

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