Google rolled out an SMS and MMS update for its chat service, Hangout after unveiling the latest Android 4.4 version, earlier this week. The latest update introduces many fun features to Hangout but disappointingly misses on Google Voice, a web based telecommunication service from Google.
Google Voice was introduced by the search engine giant in 2009, which assigns a dedicated number for Google users to make free calls from a PC to phone. As of now the service is only available in North America. The service is also used to make video calls by Google users across the world. It is supported on Windows, Intel-based Mac OS X, and Linux.
The current update does not apply to Google Voice but the California-based tech giant assured its users that the company will enable SMS services on the feature by early 2014.
"Unfortunately, today's update does not work with Google Voice numbers unless you've enabled Google Voice on your Sprint phone," said Nikhil Singhal, the product manager for Google+ team on his Google+ page. "But rest assured, we're working to support SMS messages for all Google Voice phone numbers by early next year. And don't worry, your Voice number will go unchanged."
Google Voice users who have registered for the service need not change their numbers. Singhal also revealed plans of expanding the web based free calling service beyond the U.S. The international roll out will bring MMS integration to its global users.
Several third party applications have been supporting voice calls and SMS service via Google Voice. Singhal added that all apps which have been allegedly using Google voice need to stop their service by May 15, 2014.
According to Singhal this simple effort on Google's end is to make its users feel more secure with the service and to prevent any misuse of the service.
"Finally, we want to make Google Voice as secure as possible. There are a few third-party applications that provide calling and SMS services by making unauthorized use of Google Voice. These apps violate our Terms of Service and pose a threat to your security, so we're notifying these app developers that they must stop making unauthorized use of Google Voice to run their services and transition users by May 15, 2014," reads the Google page.
The update is currently offered on Nexus 5 unveiled along Android 4.4 and will be officially available on Google Play Store in some time, reports Slashgear.
