Google Releases Standalone Hangouts App for the iPhone and iPad

Google has released a standalone iOS app for its Google+ Hangouts feature, creating a full-fledge messaging service. the app brings group conversations, video calls and chats to a standalone app.

It features:

• Group conversations are better than ever.  Send photos or emoji, see when people are engaged in the Hangout and message friends anytime, even if they're not connected right now.
• Video calls make Hangouts more fun.  Turn any conversation into a video call with up to 10 friends.
• Hangouts works on computers, phones, and tablets, so you can connect with everyone.
• View and continue your Hangouts across devices.
• Get notifications just once.  After you see an alert, it’ll be removed on other devices.
• Snooze your notifications if you’d prefer to respond later.
• See what you talked about in the past, including shared photos and your video call history.
• Keep a record of any Hangout for just a short period of time by turning history off.
• View collections of photos shared from each of your Hangouts.
• Choose from over 850 emoji to express what’s on your mind.

Google Hangouts is available for free as a universal app (iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch) in the App Store [iTunes Link].