Google Hangouts provides US users with free voice calls in iOS update

Google Hangouts on iOS has received an update that provides North American users with free voice calls.

Users in the US and Canada can now call any number within the two countries through the app on iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch with no charges applied.

It is also possible to make and receive calls using a Google Voice number within the updated app.

Hangouts 1.3 is also available to users outside of the US, although calling phone numbers elsewhere is possible with a fee.

The move brings Google Hangouts more closely aligned with the computer-based offering, which has included free calling since July.

Other features on board the update include the ability to send and receive animated GIFs that play in-line. Hangouts will also temporarily turn down any music playing when you receive an incoming message, instead of stopping it.

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via All - Digital Spy - Entertainment and Media News