Looks like by May, you won’t be able to get SMS through Google Hangouts anymore. While Google has been doing loads with messaging apps – from Android Messages to Allo, Hangouts remains one of the more popular chat app, with SMS integration and video calling quality that sometimes puts Skype to shame.
Now, there has been chatter – or confusion, rather, regarding what Google wants to focus on – Allo? Duo? Hangouts? Android Messages? We don’t know. However, it was revealed that emails were sent to GSuite (Google for Work) customers, noting that by May 22, SMS will no longer be supported on Hangouts. According to Droid Life, you should be getting the notification by March 27.
Not sure if it’s just for GSuite Hangouts, or regular Hangouts will be affected as well. In any case, it seems that Google Voice won’t be affected. According to the letter, only SMS text messages will be affected; and Google will be showing an in-app message beginning March 27, 2017. The message will only appear for those using SMS with Hangouts as default. Others, life goes on as usual.
