Google Hangouts finally moves to P2P connections. Last week marked the beginning of the end for the usual Hangouts calls.
Google Hangouts finally moves to P2P connections. Last week marked the beginning of the end for the usual Hangouts calls. In a bid to fix issues which many users have been complaining about, Google decided to introduce peer-to-peer (p2p) connections.
The new functionality is already on the roll out. Google announced that all users are to benefit from the arguably better P2P connections.
Google Hangouts finally moves to P2P connections. The welcome overhaul of the old system and its being replaced with P2P connections means better call quality and speed. When conditions are ripe, Google Hangouts will route all video and audio over P2P connections.
While Google announced that Google Hangouts finally moves to P2P connections on Web, Android and iOS, it also made it clear that P2P connections won’t be used at all times.
Much as in Skype’s case, a peer-to-peer connection will allow the call to be routed directly to the person you’re calling. The move is expected to release the strain on Google’s servers. When this is not possible, Google’s servers are there to take on the task as before.
Getting peer-to-peer connection is serious good news. Most users become frustrated with Google Hangouts call quality. Depending on overworked servers, interruptions are quite common. Nonetheless, P2P connections are set to improve the situation.
There is one red flag that’s still standing in relation to Google Hangouts introducing P2P connections. Users have voiced their concern related to the IP address being exposed. This is a classic case we’ve learned from Skype.
Skype’s use of P2P connections left an open door for online harassment and trolling. IP addresses were indeed visible. Thus, from one person finding out your Skype ID to uncovering your IP address and conducting DDos attacks or any other forms of harassment there were just a few simple steps. Skype started hiding IP addresses since last month.
As for Google Hangouts, there is no need to fret. When P2P connections are used, users’ IP addresses remain hidden without any possibility to surface on the Google Hangouts interface.
Photo Credits: Flickr
