Google is apparently discontinuing the public "Hangouts On Air" feature. Hangouts On Air allowed users to broadcast a video stream (lecture, presentation, performance, or other event) and make it accessible to anyone with the URL. Public streaming of events will still be available via Google's YouTube Live feature.

The change is part of Google's strategy to target Hangouts to paid Apps for Work users. "Because Hangouts is built on a Google account, because it's deeply integrated with Google apps, the Apps suite [things like Drive, Docs, etc.], Gmail, Calendar and so on, it's seen much more success in the enterprise," Google's Vice President of Communications products Nick Fox told Engadget in an interview.

However, Google Apps users (free accounts) are still be able to conduct video conference calls with invited guests through Google Hangouts.

In May 2016, Google announced the Duo video calling app aimed at the consumer market. Duo allows only one-to-one video calls.

{adv}

• Thinking about moving your practice "to the cloud"?
• Already moved your practice to the cloud?
• Want to get more out of the Gmail (and other Google Apps like Hangouts) you're already using in your practice?

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