Google has announced the pending availability of Hangouts for Android version 2.1.
This update to Google’s messaging application will resolve a long-standing complaint with the app, which until now has kept two separate conversation threads (one for SMS, one for IM) for the same contact.
According to Google, the app will clearly mark which type of message is being viewed, and will allow users to choose between sending an SMS or IM. The application will create separate contact lists: One for those with whom you Hang often, and another for phone-based contacts.
Hangouts adds a new homescreen widget, too, which provides a view of recent conversations, and also fixes bugs and resolves performance issues.
Hangouts for Android 2.1 is free to download from the Google Play Store. The new version will be available some time this week.
