Google gives Hangouts iOS app WhatsApp-like makeover

Google has reportedly updated its Hangouts app for iOS, which looks strikingly similar to rival apps Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp.

Google has reportedly updated its Hangouts app for iOS, which looks strikingly similar to rival apps Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp.

The updated app includes tabs at the bottom of the screen with categories like Hangouts, Favorites, and Contacts, akin to the rival messaging apps.

According to Mashable, the new version also includes features like sending videos, stickers and location within a conversation, which was earlier not possible.

The new Hangouts app has been also optimized for iPad and includes two panes, allowing users to chat on one side of the screen while scrolling through their contacts or existing Hangouts on the other.

The report said that the latest change to Google's Hangout reflects the heightened expectation that mobile users have regarding their messaging apps, especially in light of the recent multi billion-dollar purchase of WhatsApp by Facebook.