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New Hangouts v2 will support SMS and MMS, but Google Voice integration will take some time

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Many suspected that once the all new Hangouts v2 began rolling out on Google Play (arriving first on the Nexus 5), it would bring not only the SMS integration we’ve all been requesting, but integrated Google Voice SMS and calling too. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it looks like Google Voice anything on Hangouts wont be happening anytime soon.

According to Googler Nikhyl Singhal, Google has run into some snags with getting Google Voice integrated into Hangouts. The explanation is kind of weird, but it has something to do with 3rd party developers using Google Voice services in their own apps, and it creating some kinda of headache for Google. Google has put those developers on notice, saying they have until May 15th, 2014 to cease and desist.

Hangouts v2 for Android SMS

Keep in mind that Sprint users who’ve enabled Google Voice on their number will be unaffected by all of this (luckies). As far as an ETA on when we can expect Google Voice SMS messages to finally integrate into Hangouts, Singhal says only to expect everything up and running by early next year.

You might remember a few weeks ago we told you guys about the latest Hangouts update to hit iOS users. Well, don’t get too bent out of shape. Where the update enabled voice calls over data (cellular or WiFi) using Google Voice numbers, it was limited to only that. iOS users still don’t have SMS integration in Hangouts. We can’t even imagine the hell that would break loose in the Android community if they did.

Chris Chavez
I've been obsessed with consumer technology for about as long as I can remember, be it video games, photography, or mobile devices. If you can plug it in, I have to own it. Preparing for the day when Android finally becomes self-aware and I get to welcome our new robot overlords.

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16 Comments

  1. I don’t understand this …? If iOS users can use data to call people, why can’t Android do the same?

    1. #androidproblems? :/

    2. I’m guessing Google has to give 3rd party developers like groove ip and talkatone time to close shop… That’s what I understood from this article

      1. Talkatone has been pretty good to me so far.. Even paid for a year of premium service. I guess I won’t sweat the $20. It’s saved me more than that. But it does sound like the end is near for such apps..

  2. I wonder if one of those was the maker of GrooVe IP…

  3. I don’t really care about GV integration with hangouts… I just wish GV was a better app.

    1. Hear hear… Just stop letting Voice languish forever.

  4. This wouldn’t be such bad news if the google voice app wasn’t neglected so hard. Same with google currents. It has no hamburger slide out navigation so i’m constantly closing it on accident.

  5. Still no release date for the SMS integration yet. Get your stuff together Google.

  6. you can do google voice built into the default phone app, but would be nice if android brought visual voice mail with google voice integration

  7. I guess I don’t understand the missing Voice integration. I installed Hangouts on my Motorola Xoom and was able to make a phone call. My text messages now appear in my Voice inbox. What else is there?

  8. Does (or will it with the currently rolling out SMS/MMS update) of Google Hangouts have the expandable notification drop down where you can “read”, “Quick reply”, etc. right from the notification tray? If Hangouts is taking over the old “messaging” app, I have gotten use to the flexibility of doing everything without opening the messaging app every time.

  9. FINALLY!! Now that MMS will be integrated, I will finally be able to use my Google Voice number.

  10. Great article man. I was a little miffed that IOS got support sooner than android (hello) but its all good overall i love android and the experience. I am really looking forward to v1.3 or v2. whichever it is.

  11. I just installed the new Hangouts today and as a Google Voice user it kind of sucks. I turned on the SMS integration and now when I send out texts to anyone it uses my actual Verizon number instead of GV number. Basically nobody knows my Vzw number and the first response back is “Who’s this?”. So until they fix that, I’m turning off the SMS integration to avoid a ton of confusion.

  12. May I ask is this SMS integration only applicable in US or western region? Because my updates doesn’t have it. I from Malaysia. Thank you.

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