Apps are a Plus in Hangouts

We’ve seen Google+ Hangouts being used in the most creative and innovative ways, connecting fans, facilitating debates, and making a difference in people’s lives.

Three months ago, we launched the Google+ Hangouts API, with the belief that developers can build even more memorable experiences and activities inside the face-to-face-to-face setting of hangouts. The response so far has been exciting.

In the 90 days since we launched apps in hangouts, we’ve seen:

• over 200 apps built for hangouts 
• the average duration of a hangout increase by 2.5 times when participants use an app 
• 1 in every 3 hangouts use an app. 

Today, we are introducing a new set of featured apps built by developers around the world that provide fun and entertaining activities for our users. 

1. Google Art Project: Explore collections from around the world with thousands of artworks photographed in extremely high resolution. You can play an art guide and take your friends on a tour of different museums. 
2. New YouTube App: Create, control, save and even share playlists of videos with friends—all inside a hangout. It’s like your own VIP table at the world’s coolest YouTube party. 
3. New Effects App: One of the most popular hangout apps gets more fun with a brand new UI and with the introduction of new effects. 
4. Symphonical: Conduct your business meetings and manage projects in real-time using the Symphonical app for hangouts. 
5. MiniClip 8-ball Pool: Challenge friends to a game of pool with real-time stats tracking. 
6. A Story Before Bed: Family hangouts just got better with this app. Pick a storybook from the shelf and read it to your loved ones. 
7. Panoramio Game: Compete with friends to be the most precise wanderer by finding out where a photo was taken while traveling around the world with Google Maps through stunning Panoramio photos. If you are the best, you get to choose your next destination. 
8. Cheer On: Root for your favorite sports team by customizing your video appearance in a hangout. With so many sporting events coming up this summer, this is one app you must have next time you are in a hangout.

We are still in the early days of this real-time platform and can’t wait to see what you come up with next. Learn more about how you can get started building hangouts into your app.


Posted by Amit Fulay, Product Manager, Google+