Google+ launches Hangout video chats

Google just announced a bunch of updates to the Google+ Hangouts video chat service, including international voice calls and the ability to start a Hangout from a mobile phone. SFGatge reported.

Hangouts is the one feature where Google+ has an obvious edge over social competitors like Facebook and Twitter. It allows real-time video chats with up to 10 people simultaneously. Facebook's Skype integration, which allows one-to-one video calls, looks pretty paltry in comparison.

The next update to Google+ for mobile devices will let users start a Hangout from those devices; previously you could only join one in progress. The update is coming to the Android Market in a few days, and iOS after that.