Google’s Messaging Ecosystem: A Tapestry of Communication Tools
Since its inception with Google Talk in 2005, Google has championed the use of its services as a means for people to stay connected. This commitment has led to a proliferation of Google-branded messaging platforms, each with nuanced differences.
The array of messaging services from Google can often lead to confusion, with the company regularly phasing out certain platforms, rebranding others, or shuffling features around. Despite the potential for clutter, Google has expressed through Computer World that its aim is not to consolidate these services into a monolithic app but to cater to specific needs with dedicated products, allowing users to select the service that best fits their requirements.
This philosophy, though well-intentioned, can leave users scratching their heads when deciding which app to use for a particular type of communication. For instance, Google Meet, Google Voice, and Messages all have capabilities for making phone calls, but it’s not immediately clear why one might be preferred over the others. To better understand this landscape, let’s delve into Google’s messaging history and the current state of its messaging apps.
A Look Back at Google’s Messaging History
Google Talk marked Google’s foray into messaging, offering a versatile chat solution that worked across various platforms, even for those without a Google account. It featured a browser-based chat within Gmail, as well as apps for Android, Windows, and BlackBerry.
However, Google’s messaging journey, which began simply, became complex over time. Google Talk was built on the open-source XMPP protocol, but as Google shifted towards a proprietary platform for its Google Plus social network in 2011, Google Talk was phased out in favor of new apps like Huddle and Hangouts.
Hangouts, conceived as an all-in-one communication solution, didn’t achieve the expected success, leading Google to break it into separate applications. This began the fragmentation that has resulted in the current suite of Google messaging apps.
Google Messaging Apps — Five Choices Still Exist
Despite the competition from other messaging apps on Google Play, Google offers five distinct messaging services, each with its own focus.
Gmail
Gmail is well-known as a free, ad-supported email service accessible on phones, via a web portal, or through third-party clients. Beyond email, Gmail integrates Google Chat and Google Meet, creating a comprehensive hub for emails, chats, and video calls.
Best use: Gmail serves as a multifaceted center for managing emails, instant messaging, and video calls.
Google Chat
Google Chat, which took over from Google Hangouts, is available to all users within the Gmail app, or as a standalone Android app and web portal. It is designed for swift, business-oriented conversations and does not cater to social interactions.
Best use: Google Chat is suited for quick, work-related chats with frequent email contacts.
Google Meet
Google Meet, another descendant of Hangouts, is tailored for business video calls and can be used for any video conferencing needs. It has become a significant player against Zoom, especially for business interactions.
Best use: Google Meet excels in video conferencing, particularly for business purposes.
Messages
Messages is Google’s primary SMS and MMS texting app, which has evolved to include rich communication services (RCS), offering features like read receipts and large file transfers.
Best use: Messages is ideal for Android users seeking a reliable texting app for phone-to-phone communication.
Google Voice
Google Voice offers a free phone number for making calls and sending texts. It is especially beneficial for those who use their Google Voice number as their main contact.
Best use: Google Voice is best for users who primarily use their Google Voice number for communication.
Round Up
Here’s a quick summary of how to use each Google messaging app:
- Email and instant messaging: Gmail with Google Chat
- Video calls: Google Meet
- Texting: Messages
- Calls and texting with a secondary number: Google Voice
While Google may seem to resist the idea of a unified messaging app, the success of platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp, which combine various forms of communication in a single app, suggests that users value such integration. Only time will tell if Google will follow suit and streamline its messaging services into a more cohesive experience.