What you need to know
The original Google Meet app has officially ceased operations on Android devices, marking the end of an era for users who have relied on it since its launch in April 2020. Initially branded as Hangouts Meet, the app underwent a significant transformation in 2022 when Google integrated the Duo app under the Meet name, creating some confusion in the user base.
To streamline the experience, Google has now designated the earlier version as “original” and has shifted its focus to the newer Meet app, which has garnered a much larger following. In a bid to clarify this transition, Google has been proactive in notifying users of the original app, urging them to uninstall it and migrate to the updated version that evolved from Duo.
As reported by 9to5Google, the original Meet app is no longer functional. Users attempting to access it are met with a prompt encouraging them to download the latest iteration, which boasts exciting features such as interactive reactions and direct calling capabilities. This transition is part of Google’s strategy to enhance user engagement and satisfaction.
In a decisive move, Google has also removed the original Meet app from the Play Store, effectively preventing any new downloads or access to information about it. This decision aligns with the impressive success of the rebranded Meet app, which has achieved over 5 billion downloads, in stark contrast to the original’s 500 million.
With this shift, Google is clearly committed to refining and promoting the newer version of Meet, ensuring that users have access to the best tools for communication in an increasingly digital world.
