Google announced yesterday that it is replacing Gmail video chat with Google + Hangouts. The move makes sense, since the G+ brand of goods has been sweeping over all Google products like the Blob. Google touts “higher reliability and enhanced quality,” but really it just wants to make you look silly. Once you, and your up to nine friends, initiate a Hangout, you can virtually suit up with hats, glasses and facial hair. Nothing says “I miss you grandma” like superimposing goggles and a snorkel over the family matriarch.
If the people you want to talk/see are also on G+, there’s a little more flexibility too. Take that Hangout, put it in a raft, and float it down the river, because the service supports Android and iOS users of Google +. Expect to see the service in your Gmail within the next couple weeks.