Google has officially stopped its Messaging service Google Talk (also known as Gtalk or Gchat) and replaced it with Hangouts. This development was communicated in March. This move came into action on June 26, 2017. Now the users will be directly switched to Hangouts.
Google Talk was launched in 2005. Back then, messaging apps like WhatApp etc. did not exist. So, many people used Google talk to connect with friends and family and for official purpose. However, since 2013, Google started replacing Google Talk with Hangouts but still gave users the option to continue using Google Talk. Now the Google Talk app will not work, and it will not be available to download from the Play Store.
Google’s blog post in March read – “In the next few weeks, you’ll see a notification in the classic Hangouts app to switch to another SMS app already on your phone for SMS or to download Android Messages if one isn’t available. Choosing a new messaging app will not impact your SMS message history, and all your messages will be accessible in whichever new app you choose.”
Google has upgraded Hangouts in the past few months. Hangout offers advancements over Gtalk like it supports group video calling and is tightly integrated into Google ecosystem. In March, Google had also announced that it would split Hangouts into: Hangouts Meet and Hangouts Chat. Hangouts Meet would focus on video conferences, while Hangouts Chat would be focused on instant messaging.
In any case, if you miss the look and feel of Google Talk, Hangouts gives you an option in settings which will offer you a similar experience.