Google has made it possible for account owners to chat with friends, family, relatives and workmates smoothly by releasing Google’s Hangouts for desktop.

Google Hangouts now available as a desktop Chrome app

Image credit: Google Hangouts

Ruling out in-browser messaging, Google Hangouts now operates in the background. Users are now able to get notifications and pop “chat heads” interface, similar with any other instant messaging app,

It has also extended accessibility as it supports keyboard shortcuts for switching between messages. It also features calls and texts using Google Voice. When inactive, the chat window will minimise automatically.

Currently, the app is available only for Windows and Chrome OS.