The advancement in technology sometimes make five years ago seem like a century ago.
I was trying to create space for new apps on my phone when I discovered I still had Google Talk app. It is now embedded in Google Hangout. Apparently, it used to be a thing and I was quite active on it around 2014 when it was Google Talk, so, in my typical style I decided to go through the chats I had then. I saw conversations where I was giving a friend advice on why she should get an android phone against the advantages of having the more affordable BIS subscription.
It’s nostalgic seeing that Blackberry used to control a large chunk of mobile phone users in the emerging market then.
Android phones and Iphones definitely changed the game.
Back to my observations about Google Hangout. Unlike Whatsapp and even the struggling Blackberry messenger, Google Hangout chat on mobile has a very basic layout. It is so boring that I now understand why I never thought to check it out.
I didn’t used to be a fan of Skype but even that has received so much upgrade recently. Facebook Messenger isn’t even where it used to be in 2014. As for Whatsapp, well let’s say it experienced an extreme makeover.
I am so mad a chat app has this kind of layout in 2017. To be fair, the app has all the basics, it supports video and voice call and you can easily share your location with someone else through the Google Map. It also makes it easy for you to follow your conversations across channels.
However, I refuse to let the developers go so easily, Google is known for making fun interface. If they can make the search engine page fun by adding doodles, why can’t they find creative ways to keep users interested in Hangout?
Personally, I think more fun themes should be introduced and perhaps more interesting GIFs .
