Google Hangouts and YouTube get updates the feature some much-requested new features
Two of Google’s most important Android apps – Google Hangouts and You Tube – have received updates in Google Play that bring us some much-requested new features and bug fixes, including the ability to select streaming quality for YouTube videos and to set custom alerts for specific contacts in Hangouts.
First, let’s talk about YouTube. Starting with version 5.7, viewers will now be able to choose the exact video quality that they want to stream, just like desktop users have been able to do for years. Previously, users were only able to choose between HQ (high quality) and standard. Now, users can choose 144p, 240p, 360p, 480p, 720p, and 1080p, depending on the device.
The actual video quality will still automatically decided by Google behind the scenes, after determining which would be best depending on the network conditions. However, users will now have a finer control over the precise quality if what Google decided isn’t satisfactory.
Download: Google Play
Next, the latest version of Hangouts introduces the ability to set custom ringtones and chat message sounds on a per-contact basis, something that power users like me have long desired. The fact that Google specifically mentions “call ringtones” in the settings could also be an indicator that Google Voice calling is on its way sooner, rather than later, too.
In addition to this, version 2.1.223 finally fixes the awful battery draining bug that some users reported, along with missing contact pictures in the notification shade.
Download: Google Play
