Google Hangouts

Description

Google Hangouts are the best way for you to say, "I'm online and want to hangout!" Hangouts lets you:

  • Chill with friends that are scrolling through the web, just like you!
  • Use live video chat that puts you in the same room together!
  • Coordinate plans, whether it's working on a project or meeting up for coffee.
  • Maybe you're bored. Start a hangout, invite your circles, see who's around!

Before you hang out for the first time, there are a few things you'll want to do:

  1. Check out the system requirements to make sure you're using a supported browser and operating system, and that your processor and bandwidth are sufficient.
  2. Download and install the latest version of the plugin.
  3. Make sure you have the latest drivers for your webcam.
  4. Webcams don't work well in low light situations. For the best quality webcast, make sure you're well lit from a light source that's coming from behind your camera.
  5. Use a head set! Headphones with a built in microphone will dramatically improve your Hangout experience.
  6. If a hangout isn't performing well, try closing down all programs running in the background. You may also want to try restarting your computer.

Hangouts are created by one person, but everyone in the hangout shares the ability to invite others.

Each hangout has a specific URL. That URL can be shared as a link to invite others. However, only Google+ users are able to join.

Be thoughtful when inviting as you can't kick anyone out of a hangout. If you feel uncomfortable in a hangout you can leave at any time.

Pricing

Plan Price Details
Google Hangouts Free Use video in Hangouts, Gmail, iGoogle, and Orkut. Plugin download required.

Reviews

Homeschool coach
August 18, 2015

I use Google Hangout to chat and study with colleagues and students when having meetings. My colleagues all use Hangout and we find user friendly so far.

By
Educational Technology Consultants
June 11, 2015

In the world of GAFE this is one of the greatest ways to video conference and interact with others.

Online English Tutor/ Health Care Provider
September 3, 2012

Google hangout is one of the sites that can be used for video chatting, just like skype and yahoo messenger. The best time to use google hangout is when you are working together with colleagues on a document or a project; as the file transfers can be easily done here, especially if you need to do it back and forth frequently. I don't use google hangout that often, but it is a useful alternative to skype and yahoo messenger.

February 23, 2012

Lesson planning has moved into the cloud for my science department, and I frequently collaborate at night from home with my colleagues. Sharing a google doc is cool. Using a chat box can only take you so far, however. Sometimes you have to speak to each other if for no other reason than efficiency. Using google hangouts seemed like a nice free solution to this issue; particularly for multiple collaborators.

Unfortunately, both times I have tried it, the transmission was choppy. At least ten percent of my time was spent waiting to find out if my colleagues heard what I said. Sticking with Skype for now.

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