Andre Yoskowitz
10 Oct 2016 17:56
Google has updated their Google Suite package (formerly GAPPS), making the "Hangouts" app now optional for OEMs.
Reads Google's email to devs: "Today, we are announcing that Google Duo will replace Hangouts within the suite of core GMS apps, and Hangouts will become GMS Optional for telephony products. This change will take effect on December 1, 2016."
Duo is Google's cross-platform FaceTime competitor.
Now, the headline may be a bit alarmist, but there will be little incentive for OEMs to include Hangouts when there are plenty of rivals that may pay better to have their messaging app pre-installed. Google does say Hangouts will be supported for business and personal, at least for now.
Source:
Android Police