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Are you on Google Plus yet? If not, you may be thinking you don’t need another social network or you may think your friends haven’t joined so why should you?
But if you aren’t on Google Plus, then you’re missing out on the fun of Google Hangouts. I recently attended a Google Hangout with the author of Life, For Instance, Lori Gosselin and people from India, Switzerland, Canada, and Texas. We spent an hour discussing all sorts of topics, laughing, commiserating, and sharing blogging tips.
What Are Google Hangouts
Google Hangouts are a group video chat. You can have up to ten people join the chat, meeting across the miles.
Google Hangouts can be professional, personal or plain fun. Hangouts have lots of tools so you can make a Hangout a valuable resource or a fun party. You can hangout with friends or meet new people.
Here’s a video from Google showing what you can do in Google Plus Hangouts:
Joining a Hangout
Joining a Hangout is easy. When you go on to your Google Plus home page you will see if anyone is having a Hangout. You can either ask for an invitation or just join the Hangout, depending on whether the Hangout is invitation only.
When you enter the Hangout, you will see the other people attending the Hangout at the bottom of the screen and the person speaking in a large window in the center of your screen.
If it’s your first Hangout, let people know when you introduce yourself so they can give you some pointers and be patient with you as you navigate new territory. Within a few minutes, you’ll be chatting like a pro and enjoying the company.
In addition to talking aloud, you can have side conversations in a text chat during Hangouts. Look for the text chat box in the right column of the screen. Text chats are especially helpful if you want to share a link to a website.
Hangout Tools
Google makes Hangouts even more fun and useful with tools.
Screenshare – Do want to share your screen with others in a Hangout? Use the Screenshare button on the right side of your screen in the Hangout and your screen will be displayed to others in the Hangout.
YouTube – You can watch a YouTube video from within the Hangout.
Lower Third – You can add a banner across the bottom of the screen with your name and other information (Twitter ID, name of your website, etc.). This is very helpful when you’re hanging out with people you didn’t know before. This can be found by clicking on the Toolbox icon at the top.
Google Effects – This is the most fun tool. You can add a pirate’s hat or eye patch, clown wig, facial hair and other fun features. These effects move with you as you move your head. These are probably best used in social Hangouts, but I’ve seen them used to lighten the mood in professional Hangouts too.
Sign Language Interpreter – If you’re deaf or hearing impaired, you can use the Sign Language Interpreter app to have an interpreter speak for you in the Hangout.
What You Need to Join a Hangout
You need to join Google Plus. If you already have a Gmail or Google account, signing up is easy. If not, signing up is still easy, it’s just one more step to sign up for a Google account.
You need to download the Google Hangout Plugin.
You should also have a fairly speedy Internet connection. I’ve been on Hangouts where some people didn’t have a fast connection and they appeared pixelated and dropped the connection repeatedly. That gets frustrating for the people whose Internet isn’t up to speed.
What Is Helpful to Have to Join a Hangout
Webcam – this isn’t technically required but it’s a lot more fun if your face is shown rather than a black square.
External Microphone – while you don’t have to have an external microphone, it can help to reduce background noise that might be distracting (or embarrassing) in the Hangout.
Earbuds or Headphones – not essential, but having earbuds or headphones can make listening easier. If you have a headset with a microphone, a Google+ Hangout would be a good place to wear it.
You can check your webcam and microphone settings by clicking on the gear icon in the upper right corner of your screen as you enter the Hangout.
Check to see what the scenery is behind you. Make sure your friends aren’t seeing glare from a sunny window or a bright lamp in the background.
What You Don’t Need to Join a Hangout
Money – Hangouts are free. How cool is that?
Hangouts on Air
Hangouts are limited to 10 people, but sometimes that’s just not enough. Hangouts on Air meshes Google+ with YouTube to broadcast the Hangout on YouTube and Google Plus, beyond the 10 people attending the Hangout. Hangouts on Air have been used by rock bands, politicians, celebrities and everyday people who want to share with the world.
You can learn more about Hangouts on Air from Google.
Finding Google Hangouts to Join
If you want to find a Google Plus Hangout to join, go to your Home page of Google+ and look to see if there is a Hangout in progress that you can join.
If you don’t see any, you can check the Schedule of Hangouts on Air to find upcoming Hangouts.
- Art Talk with the National Gallery of London
- NASA Orion Spacecraft
- How’d You Do That?: A Step by Step Demonstration of Different Digital Comic Creation Processes
- “40 Years of Spectrum” a Live Online Workshop with Billy Cobham
You can also add Google Plus to your Google Plus circles to get news of upcoming Hangouts on Air.
When you find a Hangout to Join, you’re given an option to have the event added to your Google calendar. You can even set a reminder and an alert so you don’t miss the Hangout.
If you’re a blogger, you should check out Hecklers’ Hangouts with Brian Vickery and Margie Clayman on Thursday evenings at 7:00 pm ET for fascinating guests and a rip roarin’ good time.
Checking Out Hangouts After They Have Aired
If you want to watch a Hangout but miss it or can’t attend when it’s live, you can watch the Hangout later on YouTube. Earlier this week, Michelle Obama had a Hangout on Air with Kelly Ripa to promote the Let’s Move campaign against childhood obesity. You can watch the recording of the Hangout on Air on YouTube:
http://youtu.be/zw3bD_zAiTo
We’ve come a long way since the days of FDR’s Fireside Chats…
Bottom Line
Explore Google Hangouts to chat with others, learn new things, have a virtual party on air, and share a bit of your day with your friends.
Have you ever joined a Google Hangout? Which Hangouts have you joined? Did anyone wear a pirate hat? Tell us about it in the Comments section below!
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Google Plus Cover Photo
While we’re on the subject of Google Plus…
Google Plus has recently been updated so your cover photo can now be much larger than before.
Time to update your cover photo!
Not a photographer? Check out amazing photos that have been made available from Trey Ratcliff to be used (non-commercially) for your Google+ cover photo.
*Rainbow image courtesy of Trey Ratcliff
Well explained Carolyn!
Honestly speaking, I’ve been invited to so many Google Hangouts but just haven’t managed to attend a single one as yet. Yes, I’m guilty as even Lori had invited but just couldn’t make it – I guess the time zones are a major hurdle for me as it’s either sleep or dinner time our end. Nevertheless, I know I need to attend one to get the hang of it.
Ah…yes, I did see the cover image got a lot bigger than what it was initially, and am glad you gave us a link from where we can use a few images – thanks to Trey 🙂
Thanks for sharing this with us. Happy Women’s Day as well. 🙂
Hi Harleena, Happy Women’s Day to you too! I will be heading over to your blog to celebrate very soon!
I would love to have a Hangout with you, Harleena. Perhaps Lori could move her Hangout to an earlier time next time?
It’s kind of like Twitter chats, it’s difficult to find a time that works for everyone around the globe.
But Google+ Hangouts are soooo much fun that I imagine there will be more and more of them for you to join.
Yes, I have admired Trey’s photography for a long time. I even have an app with his photos so I was extremely excited to share the news of his generosity with Wonder of Tech readers. The photos are truly stunning from around the world. I imagine many people will use his photos that he has made available through Creative Commons.
For the last six weeks or so I’ve made G+ part of my routine. I check out several communities daily and always try to leave comments and interact.
As for Google Hangouts, I’ve done a few and found them to be wonderful. The best one was hosted by a guy who was visiting his wife’s family in Tokyo. He had a laptop and gave us a tour of his favorite part of the city. He walked around, introduced us to people on the street and translated their well wishes. It was a blast.
I also follow a podcast that is created using Hangouts. It’s called the Self-Publishing Podcast and is very entertaining.
Hi Brian, That is so cool! What a wonderful way to experience another culture. I just love that Hangouts are available worldwide and for free. It sounds as if you’re making great use of them.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your examples with us, Brian!
Google Hangouts are great way to meet and greet people from all around the world. Thanks to this Google gift, the world has actually transformed into a global village. People of different ethnicities have come together to share their life and a lot more on it. I just love it.
happy women day Carolyn !!!
Hi Rashmi, What a lovely way of viewing Google+ Hangouts! You’re exactly right, they really do seem like a gift from Google. Every time I’ve attended a Hangout, I feel a bit closer to those I’ve been chatting with. I do love that I can talk face-to-face with people from around the world, just as you said.
I truly hope Hangouts become even more popular so people can connect across the miles.
Thanks for stopping by and for your comment and good wishes, Rashmi!
Yeah, this platform needs to go viral to make internet experience a little more fun. Hope people will realize its true potential with time 🙂
Exaclty, Rashmi!
Hi Carolyn, Thanks for explaining Google Hangouts to us. I haven’t yet been in one. Still learning my way around Google +! Guess I’m going to have to find me a Hangout and give it a try.
Hi Carol, Yes, I hope you are able to find a Hangout to join. Depending on how socially adventurous you are, joining your first Hangout may seem intimidating at first. But I inevitably have been warmly welcomed at every Hangout I have attended.
I remember when Hangouts were first introduced by Google+, I hopped on a Hangout just to see what it was all about. I joined a group of about 8 women who were all close friends and quite surprised to see me join them. They were very friendly and made me feel very welcome for the Hangout. (No word on whether they made their future Hangouts private! 😉 )
Hangouts are an awesome feature of Google+. Recently, Nobel Prize winner author Toni Morrison was on a hangout by Google Play where she gave a digitally signed book cover to each of the participants!
Hi Miriam, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! Wow, what an amazing example of an awesome Google Hangout. I wish I had known about that one. That’s a great reason to check the Hangout schedule frequently!
Thanks so much for letting us know about this, Miriam!
Carolyn, I forgot to thank you in my comment (wishing for an edit in the comment box!) for sharing the link of wonderful photo collection from Trey Ratcliff. This will save me a lot of time in selecting a good G+ cover 🙂
Hi Miriam, I’m so glad you love those photos from Trey Ratcliff too! I have admired his work for a long time so was thrilled when I saw he posted a link to the images and said they were available for use for free (non-commercially).
I don’t know about saving you time though, lol! Trey has so many amazing pictures, I spent a lot of time looking at each one and then trying to decide which to use for my cover photo. 🙂
I’m not complaining just sharing my initial 5 minutes into a hangout. I have been trained to expect chat on the left from Gmail and previous hangouts. Chat is on the right in + but I have it disabled :\
Hi Cameron, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! Yes, Chat in Google+ Hangouts used to be on the left, but it was moved to the right. Good idea to disable the feature if it bothers you.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts with us, Cameron!
Hey, I’ve been on Lori’s hangouts….I didn’t know you were sticking your head in there too…:).
Well, that’s good news, Bill. I just figured that you had been avoiding me!
I hope we can connect on a Hangout someday, Bill. I have a feeling that would be a whole lot of fun! 🙂
I have had a google plus account for some time now and i wasnt even aware that goolge hangouts existed. I will definitely go ahead and check this out. 🙂
Hi Jamie, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! I’m so glad you found this article helpful. Have fun with your Hangouts, Jamie!
Hi Carolyn,
I have been testing Google+ Hangouts with some clients and it’s been an awesome way to communicate. We’ve shared screens and I have been going through things on my computer and it has been great. It won’t replace the importance of meeting in person, but it sure is a fantastic service.
Great tutorial.
Hi Jens, Yes, the shared screen tool is extremely handy. The screen replaces your face so others can see what your screen is displaying.
You’re right, Google Hangouts can be an effective business tool too. While it won’t replace face-to-face meetings in every instance, it can certainly save time and travel expenses!
Would love to hang out with you, Carolyn! That would be a whole lotta fun!
Hi Stan, Wow, that would be a lot of fun! Perhaps we should have a Rockstar Hangout! 🙂
WOW, that is the first thing which came to my mind reading the post. Google+ Hangouts sound to be so cool, I mean a group chat with so many people and that too across continents is simply amazing. I think its time I joined it too, thanks for the post Carolyn.
Hi Rey, Yes, it’s very cool to be able to have global chats with people face to face for free! You should definitely check out Google+ Hangouts, Rey!
Hangout is a really revolutionary product from google and the quality of the video is superb. You helped me discover the schedule and now it makes sense to be in all hangouts that are publicly available. This post contains really good information on what the hangout is all about 🙂
Hi Ashvini, Well, it’s pretty cool I could teach you something about tech! You’re right, if the Internet speed is okay, then the video stream is amazingly clear. There are so many amazing uses for Hangouts, I think we’ve just scratched the surface of where this technology will go!
Hi Carolyn
You are so right on. Google hangout are a blast. I was introduced to google hangout by Sylviane, and now I am “a part” of a google newbie’s hangout with Barbara. At first I thought it might be uncomfortable, but we have fun and we share.
One thing I do have to change is where I have my laptop, I have a lamp right behind me, (oops) I guess I will change that.
Carolyn, after I experienced the hangout, I have been telling my friends.
Thank you
Gladys posted..Awareness by Living your life consciously
Hi Gladys, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! I’m so excited that you have discovered Google Hangouts. They really are a wonderful time. I was the same way, I was a little scared to get on at first, but every one I’ve been on has been incredibly friendly and fun. I think the atmosphere of the site is simply festive!
The good thing about laptops is that they are easy to move. You don’t have to redecorate your house, just turn your laptop a bit to get rid of the glare of the lamp.
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your experiences here, Gladys!
I prefer Google Hangout over Skype because of its good Voice quality!
Hi Salman, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! Yes, the voice and video quality of Google Hangouts are very impressive. 🙂
Sounds like a great platform for training purposes as well.
Has anyone used them for training purposes with success?
I’d like to hear the outcome.
Hi Ron, Great point. Yes, the screen sharing option can be a powerful tool for training. I have been in Hangouts with developers who have used screen share to demonstrate their tech.
I hope you enjoy using Hangouts, Ron!
Hi Carolyn,
I did not have the full impact of Google hangouts until I read this article. I have seen it but had conversation with only one person at a time. Its fabulous that 10 people can connect together and do such a fun lot of activities. I am so fascinated and would love to explore the possibilities of hanging out with people. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Hi Vicky, Yes, Google Hangouts are a fun and powerful tool. You’re right, when you’re in a Hangout you can’t help but marvel that you are connecting with 9 other people around the world for free.
I hope you enjoy your future Hangouts, Vicky!
Wow thanks for sharing this! I’m brand new on Google+ (like 2 days new…) and I can’t figure out how to do anything on it! Have any suggestions for mastering the learning curve? It doesn’t help that NONE of my friends are on it! lol
Hi Ariana, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech and to Google Plus! Yes, any social media site can be confusing at first. I recommend that you grab the Kindle book “What the Plus?” by Guy Kawasaki. It’s only $0.99 as a Kindle book from Amazon and can help you navigate Google Plus like a pro!
If you don’t want to take the time to read the book, just jump in and find people to follow. Form some circles, such as friends, bloggers, news, etc. and start following people who post items of interest to you. Feel free to share and +1 what you like. You’ll soon be in the swing of it!
Thanks for a great post, Carolyn.
I was invited to a Google Hangout but didn’t know what it was.
What a useful piece of kit!
Thanks again
Shan
Hi Shan, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! I’m so glad this was helpful to you. I hope you have fun at your Hangout!