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.
By:
Review: Emerging Market Formulations & Research Unit, Flagship Records.
For
The #FacebookTeam