Google Hangouts New Version Has iPhone X Optimization

Google has updated its Hangouts app to gain support for the unconventional display of the iPhone X. This makes Hangouts the latest app to be updated with iPhone X optimzation following Google Maps, Gmail, Docs, Sheets and Slides.

On Tuesday, Google rolled out version 21.0.0 of its social networking app via the iTunes Store. The update brings the much needed iPhone X support, so the app could take advantage of the 10th anniversary iPhone’s full display. This means users will no longer see the black bars at the top and bottom of the app when launching it on the iPhone X, as per MacRumors.

The app’s UI has been stretched to fill all spaces including the gaps on the sides of the handset’s TrueDepth camera notch. Hence, when users launch the app after updating, they will notice that instead of letterboxing content toward the middle of the display, Hangouts now occupies the entire 5.8-inch screen of the iPhone X. This gives messages more space while also keeping the GUI controls intact.

Prior to Hangouts, Google transitioned its Maps app to gain support for iPhone X last month. On the other hand, Gmail received a December update that came with iPhone X optimization. Google has also updated the following apps for Apple’s iPhone X: Docs, Sheets, Slides, Calendar, Translate and Earth, according to Apple Insider.

The latest version of Hangouts is clocking in at 99.9 MB. It is compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices, but it requires iOS 9.0 or later versions of Apple’s mobile operating system to work.

For those who are not familiar with Hangouts, here’s a list of its key features that make it a remarkable communications app for use by individuals and groups:

• Include all your friends with group chats for up to 150 people.
• Say more with status messages, photos, emoji, stickers, and animated GIFs.
• Easily share your current location to any conversation with Maps integration.
• Turn any conversation into a free group video call with up to 10 friends.
• Call any phone number in the world (and all calls to other Hangouts users are free!).
• Connect your Google Voice account for phone number, SMS, and voicemail integration.
• Keep in touch with friends across all your devices.
• Message friends anytime, even if they're offline.
• Manage mobile app remotely with Google Cloud.