# The Initial Google Meet Application, Previously Known as Hangouts Meet, is Now Fully Discontinued
In a notable development, Google has formally discontinued the original Google Meet application, signaling the conclusion of an era for the video conferencing service that once played an essential role in the company’s communication offerings. Initially referred to as **Hangouts Meet**, the app has been phased out in favor of a more recent iteration that has evolved from **Google Duo**. This transition is part of Google’s ongoing mission to simplify its services and deliver a more cohesive and feature-rich video conferencing option for its users.
## Key Points to Consider
– The original Google Meet application is officially no longer available on Android devices.
– Users of the previous app are urged to download the latest version, which features enhancements such as reactions and direct calling.
– The older app has been taken down from the Google Play Store, rendering it unavailable for download or future updates.
## The Evolution of Google Meet: From Hangouts to Duo
The original Google Meet app, which began its journey as **Hangouts Meet**, was introduced in **April 2020** at the outset of the global pandemic. The application quickly gained popularity among businesses, educators, and individuals seeking a dependable platform for virtual gatherings. However, as Google continued to enhance its communication tools, the company opted to consolidate its video calling services under a unified brand.
In **2022**, Google significantly rebranded **Google Duo**—its consumer-oriented video calling service—as **Google Meet**. This change aimed to unify its video communication offerings and minimize user confusion. To distinguish between the two iterations, Google designated the older application as “original,” while channeling its development efforts toward the newer Meet version, which attracted a wider user audience and offered more advanced features.
## Reasons Behind the Change
The presence of two Google Meet applications—one stemming from Hangouts and the other from Duo—created confusion for users. To resolve this, Google began sending notifications to users of the original app, encouraging them to transition to the newer version. The company allowed sufficient time for users to adjust, ensuring they could acclimate to the updated interface and features.
With the new Meet version garnering significant adoption, Google has opted to phase out the original app. This decision aligns with the company’s strategic focus on a singular, more robust video conferencing platform capable of addressing both personal and professional needs.
## The Conclusion of the Original Google Meet
Currently, the original Google Meet app is non-operational on **Android smartphones**. Users attempting to access the app are met with a notification prompting them to download the latest version of Google Meet. This revamped version, which arose from Google Duo, includes several improvements, such as **fun reactions** and the functionality to **directly call other Meet users**.
Beyond discontinuing the app, Google has also eliminated the original Meet from the **Google Play Store**. Consequently, users can no longer download the app or retrieve any relevant information about it. The decision to remove the app from the Play Store solidifies Google’s dedication to advancing the newer version of Meet as the primary video conferencing solution.
## A Rational Decision for Google
The choice to retire the original Google Meet app makes practical sense for Google. The updated version of Meet, which has surpassed **5 billion downloads**, has proven to be significantly more popular than its predecessor, which achieved only **500 million downloads**. By concentrating on a single application, Google can streamline its development processes and roll out new features that enhance user experience.
Furthermore, the newer version of Meet is better suited to meet the demands of contemporary video conferencing. With functionalities like **reactions**, **direct calling**, and a more user-friendly interface, the app is designed for both casual users and professionals. As Google continues to invest in refining the platform, users can anticipate even more innovative features in the future.
## In Summary
The discontinuation of the original Google Meet app signifies the conclusion of a chapter in Google’s video conferencing history. While the app served a vital purpose during its existence, the company’s decision to concentrate on the new version of Meet is a strategic move toward providing users with a more integrated and feature-rich experience. With the original app now out of operation and removed from the Play Store, users are encouraged to embrace the updated Google Meet, which aims to provide an enhanced video communication experience.
As Google persists in refining its offerings, the retirement of the original Meet app serves as a testament to the tech giant’s commitment to innovation and user satisfaction. For those who have not yet made the transition, now is the opportune moment to download the latest version of Google Meet and discover the new features that lie ahead.
