@hallstephenj 1/ I can't comment on your sourcing, since I don't have any details. The frustrating part about your reporting is it leaves the reader to jump to dramatic conclusions, because it is only half the story. Hangouts users will be migrated to Chat and Meet.
@hallstephenj 2/ So while that will result in the eventual shut down of Hangouts classic (as we now call it), it doesn't imply we are ending support for the use case supported by the product: messaging and meetings.
@hallstephenj 3/ As per your comment about the products being "entirely separate enterprise products," this just represents a shallow understanding of the market and our products. Our apps are used by, consumers, enterprises, schools, governments, and the like.
@hallstephenj 4/ But this isn't just true with Google Apps, it is true across the market. Line supports both businesses and consumers. As does Facebook Messenger. Dropbox. Even Teams recently opened to consumers. I could go on.
@hallstephenj 5/ I'm assuming your quotes around "upgraded" implies you don't think Chat/Meet are better. I'd point to large stuff like the platform, deep search, & dramatically improved handling of video/audio in meetings. Also small features like reactions and better handling of at-mentions.
@hallstephenj 6/ But these are subjective points, and they are my products, so I'm strongly biased. In the end, neither you, nor I will make this judgement. Our users will. Everything else is just talk. /FIN
