Google Releases “Messenger” App for Android That May Replace Hangouts

[sujith]

Since Google has decided that Hangouts should also be capable to replace the stock SMS application inside Android, many users have been complaining that the company’s own application is slow at times and doesn’t offer a smooth user experience.

Well, it looks like Google noticed that but instead of trying to improve Hangouts, the company released yet another application that does about the same things its previous app is doing.

Simply called “Messenger,” the new messaging application launched by Google is only compatible with devices powered by Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and up.

Obviously, it’s free to download and use. Just like Hangouts, it allows users to choose whether they want to use Messenger as their main messaging application or let the stock app handle all the messaging.

Messenger is a very basic application, which is probably one of the reasons it runs smoother than Hangouts. However, aside from the performance aspect, there aren’t any unique features that would make one use it instead of the stock app.

Still, it’s worth giving it a try and see whether or not you should enable it instead of letting the stock app handle all your messaging stuff.

We’ve taken the tour and noticed Messenger allows users to share pictures and videos from the chat window. Being a Google app has its perks and Messenger comes with integrated Search function, which allows users to find contacts and conversations much faster.

It's available for everyone via Google Play Store

Another useful feature included in the stock messaging app is the ability to block certain SMSs. You can also send audio messages or make use of emoji and colored text threads among other things.

There’s also an Archive function that allows you to get rid of some of the messages you’ve already read and don’t want to keep in your inbox. You can swipe left or right in order to archive any message in the inbox.

Given the fact that the application has been released after the Lollipop announcement, Messenger comes with Material Design UI, so it will perfectly integrate within Google’s new operating system.

It’s unclear why Google has decided to launch yet another messaging application instead of trying to make Hangouts better when it comes to performance and functionality.

Source

Play store Link

To me it looks like they have copied this app-Textra :wtf:

[NoDeX]

It will not replace hangouts. This is basic MMS app that will replace AOSP messenger app for Nexus series.

[Tarik]

thanks for the share just installed

[jackieo]

ya thats right plug, into google and let them see all your conversations right on their servers. No Thanks.

[jimmyjazz]

It is a great app, i like it, and it has the new materia design. I hope it will replace hangouts and maybe implement sms backup merge with gmail. In the end there is no privacy but at least let's enjoy advanced and useful features.