Google finally retires Gchat, replaces it with Hangouts

Much before Allo, Google Duo, and Hangouts, there was Google Talk also known as Gchat that used to be people's preferred way of communicating in Gmail. The messaging service has now been officially ended and replaced with Hangouts.

Launched in August 2005, Google Talk was an instant messaging platform built into Gmail, and often called "Gchat" by its fans. In 2013, the company began replacing Google Talk with Hangouts, while still giving users the option to continue using Google Talk. And apparently, till June 26th, many did hold on to the service but have now been switched over to Hangouts.

Google Talk’s old XMPP support still remains in use, because it’s the only way to send and receive Hangouts messages outside the official mobile apps and Chrome extension. Google says Hangouts will continue to support 1-on-1 chats with XMPP, but XMPP federation with other services “will no longer be supported.” Google also confirmed that it would be removing SMS support from Hangouts and encouraging Android users to switch over to the newly renamed Android Messages app.  It’s a move that speaks for Google’s ambitions to reposition Hangouts into a viable business.

Google also confirmed that it would be removing SMS support from Hangouts and encouraging Android users to switch over to the newly renamed Android Messages app.  It’s a move that speaks for Google’s ambitions to reposition Hangouts into a viable business.

For a company that can’t seem to stop making messaging apps, sending Gchat to the glue factory will free up some space for its current slate to specialize their servers. Still, it’s sad to see the legendary messaging app go down, but don't lose heart you’ve surely got plenty of options to use going forward.