Google Is Killing Off Gchat—But Don't Freak Out Just Yet
By Erin Reimel. Photos: Getty Images.
One of the best parts about using Gmail is Gchat, the instant-messaging function that lets you chat with other Google users and still look like you're the most productive person in the room. The handy feature makes it easier to get projects done, helps to keep your inbox free of clutter, and lets you chat with your work wife without the whole office overhearing. But all good things must come to an end, and yesterday, Google announced that as of June 26, that they're doing away with Gchat as we know it.
But don't panic yet: The good news is that they understand our love for/need for a handy chat function and have a replacement already available they're directing users toward. You might have used Google Hangouts for a Skype-like chat, but the platform also has an instant-messaging function (and is arguably a little prettier to use than Gchat). It actually launched back in 2013 as another option for IM-ing within Gmail, but it never caught on quite like Gchat, which has been around since 2005.
Luckily, not a ton about the actual instant-messaging experience will change (although the name might create some initial confusion when you ask a coworker to "Hangout" with you). The interface of Hangouts is arguably prettier, too—and Android users might like how well Hangouts integrates with their phones and tablets.
With a ton of different instant-messaging options available for the adults who grew up on AIM, it makes sense that Google's continuing to evolve what they offer. After all, if things stayed totally the same...well, we shudder to think of the screen names we'd have to use (xxskatingprincess86xx, anyone?).
This story originally appeared on Glamour.
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