Google Hangout FAQ

What are Google Hangouts?

Depending who you speak to, Google Hangouts are instant messaging made much better, or video conferencing with bells on. 

Launched in May 2013 to update Google’s existing instant messaging tools, Hangouts offer you the chance to communicate instantaneously by video or text with people located anywhere in the world.

What do they offer? 

Google Hangouts can be used in two forms. An instant messaging service allows up to 100 people within the same conversation. You can send documents and there are a whole load of catchy emoticons available to help bring your words to life. 

But the feature that really catches the eye is the video call function. Using this you can speak directly to any Google + user who has a camera set up for their device. 

Another type is Hangouts on air which enables you to record and broadcast on YouTube and Google Plus.

What can I use them for? 

Anything you can put your imagination to. It’s a great way to connect with people no matter where they are in the world. These could be old friends, family or work colleagues. 

You can use them to spread good news. Let’s say a member of your family has given birth. They can send an update which will appear on your desktop. They can invite people to a Google Hangout where anyone in the family can see the new arrival in glorious colour. 

Teachers love it as a way of providing virtual lessons, and businesses are increasingly using it for video conferences. The chance to share Google Docs online makes it much easier to collaborate with different stakeholders in multiple locations. 

How much does it cost? 

That’s the best bit – all this comes free of charge.

Doesn't Skype do all this? 

Yes it does, but once you get beyond three people in a call you have to start paying. Google Hangouts can have ten people on a video call free of charge. 

Is there anything I need to use it? 

To use Google Hangouts, you need is a Google Plus account. Log onto http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/ and follow the login steps. You will also need a camera on your device and a microphone in order to make video calls. Most modern day devices have these fitted as standard, but you can also go out and buy them separately. 

Can I schedule a hangout for later?

Of course. You can organise a future hangout and decide who would you like to invite to the call. To do this follow these simple steps. 

1. Click on the 'home' tab on the left hand side. 

2. From the drop down menu select 'Events'

3. Once in events, select, plan a hangout. This will open the tab on the right. 

This box give you a space to give the event a title and to schedule a time. You can also provide a brief description which could be useful if you want to spark greater interest. 

At the bottom is an option for inviting friends. You can either type in the names of people you want to invite or browse your circles list using the button on the right. 

The Events Options tab at the top right allows you to set rules for anyone joining the hangout. It allows you to decide whether to show the guest list, allow guests to invite other friends and upload their own pictures. 

Finally, click the invite tab at the bottom left and your guests can receive invitations to take part.

Why might I want to schedule a hangout?

People schedule hangouts for many reasons. It can be a video conferencing tool for offices, teachers often use it to aid remote learning with different groups of pupils. You can also use it to invite your friends to join a discussion at a later date. 

In short this is for any sort of event where you want to invite a number of known friends from within your circles to join. 

What are live hangouts?

Live hangouts are public hangouts which can be broadcast live. This means you can create a hangout which anyone can join. You can see all the live hangouts taking place right now, by clicking on the home tab and selecting the 'Hangouts' option from the drop down. 

How can I start my own live hangout?

To start your own hangout select 'Hangouts on Air'. This will show call the current hangouts taking place. 

Select 'start a hangout on air'. This will open a tab much like the one on the right. 

You can do the following:

Give the hangout a name: Try to make it appealing and interesting. More people will join this way. 

Add a description: Be informative and interesting. The more people know what it's about the more likely they will be to join. 

Decide when it starts: For instance, would you like to begin the hangout now or later. 

Decide the audience: If you decide to make it public anyone will be able to join. Alternatively, you can browse people from your circles who you would like to invite to the hangout.

Share: Once you're ready, click share and you'll be live.