Google is cleaning up and streamlining

Google Talk already seemed to be ancient history. Launched in 2005, the instant messaging and VoIP service using the XMPP protocol (Jabber) closed most of its client applications with a climax in February 2015. However, it was still possible to benefit from the functionalities basic service.

Google Talk 1.0.0.104 (280x370)In the coming weeks, Google Talk with Gmail users will be invited to adopt the Hangouts solution as a replacement. After June 26, this migration will become mandatory. Google adds that the Google Talk apps for Android – which are no longer offered in the Play Store since 2013 – will stop working.

Another clarification, XMPP third-party customers will continue to be operational with Hangouts for face-to-face conversations. From June 26, " XMPP federation with third-party service providers will no longer be supported. "

On the Google side, there is no shortage of email services, except Hangouts itself, which is now more widely perceived as a professional collaboration solution. Besides, SMS support in Hangouts for Android will be removed from May 22 and in favor of Android Messages.

In terms of rationalization, Gmail Labs experiments will be withdrawn from April 24, and this while native extensions for Gmail will take their place. Likewise, it will be the goodbye for Google+ circles in Gmail and the ability to send an email to a Google+ profile.