Google+ For Android Gets Update With Hangouts Within Messenger

Google has launched a new version of its Google+ app for Android, now available in the Android Market. The most notable feature is the addition of hangouts within Google+ Messenger.

“Even with all the great technology I have to connect with my family, we still miss connecting and being together face-to-face,” said Punit Soni, lead product manager on Google+ games and mobile, in a Google+ update. “With the magic of hangouts on Messenger, now a simple tap of a button can move us from our Messenger conversation to face-to-face group video chat.”

Obviously, you’ll need a device with a front-facing camera to take advantage of the feature, and you’ll also need to be running Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) or higher.

There is also a new design for the photo albums view, people suggestions when composing a messenger conversation, new icons to show which photos have been uploaded to Google+ via the instant upload feature, and the ability to leave one-to-one messenger conversations.

Hangouts within Messenger will be coming soon to iOS, Google says.