Google and hell of messaging applications

Google has other apps that have been very successful in the Android ecosystem, it's widely used. Think about apps like Gmail or Maps, for example, that are really important for your location. Although there is a field where the company has not been so fortunate, despite its many efforts: Requests for messages.

Try them often, actually, Almost 10 attempts have been made to use their messages. Despite his many efforts, betting heavily on some of them, such as Google Allo, the company was not so fortunate and we already knew what the outcome was for them.

Despite his many past efforts, they were unable to approach or handle the requests of messages like the Telegraph or WhatsApp, dominating the market. This has prompted the company to look for other ways to end these applications, such as sending RCS messages, even though its installation is slow and there is no doubt that it will have the desired effect on the company.

Google Talk

It all started with this signing service, instant messaging and VoIP client XMPP protocol, which was officially launched in 2005, for those users who have a Gmail account. Users are able to send messages, in addition to being able to make and receive calls using Google Talk or GTalk. Or to find a user they would have to have a full Google Voice account.

This first Google messaging app is one of the longest, ever until 2013 when he disappeared. When it merged with Hangouts, it was replaced in part because the firm thought this second app had great potential.

Google Voice

As we've talked about in the previous section, it was the American telecommunications service. Considered the ability to make phone calls and send voice messages, launched in 2009, after Google acquired GrandCentral. The service was initially developed in the United States, though it has also been extended to other countries such as Spain, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France or Denmark. Calls made were free, which contributed to their popularity.

Reached 3.5 million users, according to some reports. As with a previous application, Google made the decision to join within Hangouts.

Google Buzz

A name that may not sound familiar to many, as it was a short-lived product by a firm. Google Buzz wasn't such a messaging app, but a social network, which served as a sort of addition to Gmail. It's a pre-Google+ version, which is definitely not the company's most successful adventure. It was a social network, a microblog and it also had messaging services.

The idea was that users could share links, videos, photos, statements or comments, which will be edited to conversations and will appear in Gmail's inbox. It wasn't until two years, after its launch in February 2010, in December 2011 that Google announced its closure. The reason was that Google+ was introduced, which is where the firm had its hopes. In addition, various privacy issues speed up the Buzz closure.

Google+ Messenger

The failed social network, which closed in April 2019 due to a massive data leak, had its messaging service integrated. In addition to being able to upload photos, videos, links or share Status, users who had a Google+ account were able to access Messenger's social network, where they were able to send messages to their contacts or friends. The network was a company that was trying to compete with Facebook.

Social networking never achieved the expected results by Google, which saw how their competitors worked best. The company nearly abandoned this social network, until a year later when they were forced to close it, after a long time without reviewing or presenting news on it.

Hangouts

Probably one of the Google's most popular messaging apps, and one of the few that can be said to be effective or frequently used. Hangouts was originally a part of Google+, but in 2013 it became an independent app or service, even though it was also integrated with Gmail, in its desktop version. On Android you can download the app, linked to a Google account.

Or its end is near, ever since by June of this year it will be closed, compiling on the G Suite. Therefore, it will only be available to companies, where it appears that this tool has better acceptance and better performance. Changes that were made over time, but eventually became real.

Spaces

The Google app that wasn't a messaging application was going to be used, but it was introduced for use in groups. It was started with the intention of competing with Slack, the most popular application in the workplace. The idea was to create space for multiple users, who could send messages, discuss topics and share files. The program was launched in 2016 on Android, iOS, Windows and MacOS.

Although the approach of this app in the market has been shorter, from just one year later, in April 2017, the end of the year has been announced. The project initially promised a lot, but never finished meeting expectations. The aim of competing with Slack has also failed to achieve at any time.

Google Allo

Google Allo has been one of the most popular messaging applications in recent years, probably because it is one of the latest, so it's new to our memories. It was launched in September 2016, seen as Google's ultimate hope for success in the field of messaging applications. In addition, even the desktop version of the app has been released.

On its arrival in the market, Google wanted to highlight privacy in this app, after problems with their past. Despite his efforts, he has never stolen prominence or market share in messaging applications such as WhatsApp or The Telegraph, confirming Google's new failure in the sector.

At the end of 2018 it was announced that support for the application was only made in March 2019. Google has stopped this as of this one time in its quest to excel in the messaging app market.

Hangouts conversations

Google is constantly experimenting with new apps, introducing a different kind that everyone knows, like Hangouts Chat. This app is a mix of Hangouts, and includes the elements of Space

This app is an inspiration for Hangouts at its top closure, as confirmed by Google itself long ago. Although it will be integrated with G Suite, it is intended for companies only. So it's not an app where Google will compete with other messaging apps on Android.

RCS / Google Messages

The one called in terms of SMS It's the RCS message, which is Google's new hope, though it was, because its deployment is getting all kinds of obstacles. The company eventually chose to skip the operator and deal with the deployment of this technology, with the hope that users would join it. Your Google Messaging app has support for these types of messages.

Google introduced it as an alternative to SMS, in addition to searching stand up in messaging apps such as WhatsApp or Telegraph. This technology allows sending messages, but also files, photos, QR codes, action buttons, maps, make or pay or receive. Although the lack of end-to-end encryption is a problem.

Despite efforts to expand RCS globally, with the introduction of a few markets in Europe and the United States, it does not seem like this is a new bet from Google be in the mood for competitive messaging apps for now. Most are already viewing it as the company's new failure in the industry.

Last request in transit?

Looks like Google not finished throwing in the towel For messaging applications. It seems like the company is preparing for the final application, which will cover most of its most popular applications. Not much is known about this program, although it seems clear that it was not intended for professional users. Among the activities or services we will receive messages with.

The company is proceeding with the intention that competing with apps like Slack In this field it seems they have realized that competing and using messaging like WhatsApp or Telegraph is not easy or where there are many opportunities. Therefore, focusing on the technology sector seems to be a better strategy for Google. We may know a lot about it in Google I / O 2020.