Among all the ups and downs of Google+ – the search giants latest attempt to crack the social nut – one feature has prompted some intriguing experiments; Hangouts.
Hangouts are like a video conference call, the kind of thing you could do with Skype, but with some key differences. First of all it’s free, unlike Skype video conference calls. But the big difference is that rather than calling someone (á la Skype) instead you announce you’re free to “hang out” and it’s up to people whether or not to join you. You can announce your hang out to a small group of friends or the whole internet.
This makes Hangouts more like a video chat room and people have been experimenting with this new opportunity with events like press conferences, cookery classes and music gigs. Hangouts hit the news this week when the Dalai Lama hung out at Desmond Tutu’s 80th birthday celebrations and pop star will.i.am hung out with fans.
So how could you use Hangouts?
- Universities could offer “open day” hangouts with course tutors
- Press officers could host press conference hangouts for regional media
- Companies could introduce new products and services to key customers
- Event organisers could extend the reach of their events or have hang out panels
- Charities could encourage hangouts between volunteers to swap tips on fundraising
