Very early reviews of Google Hangouts seem to be mixed. Many people love the new service, but many are also unhappy with the fact that SMS messaging is not integrated. These users have quickly dominated the app’s reviews in the Play Store, pleading for the feature to be added to what is supposed to be a unified messaging system.
However, a quick look at the permissions Google Hangouts requires reveals that SMS support could be coming soon. Among the permissions the app has access to – receiving text messages (SMS), reading text messages (SMS or MMS), and sending SMS messages – none of which the app currently seems to actually be using. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that this means SMS support will be added sooner than later (maybe with Android 4.3?), making it even more of a truly unified messaging system. After the break you can read the message permissions Google Hangouts requires.
GOOGLE HANGOUTS HAS ACCESS TO THE FOLLOWING:
RECEIVE TEXT MESSAGES (SMS)
– Allows the app to receive and process SMS messages. This means the app could monitor or delete messages sent to your device without showing them to you.
READ INSTANT MESSAGES
– Allows apps to read data from the Google Talk content provider.
READ YOUR TEXT MESSAGES (SMS OR MMS)
– Allows the app to read SMS messages stored on your device or SIM card. This allows the app to read all SMS messages, regardless of content or confidentiality.
SEND SMS MESSAGES
– Allows the app to send SMS messages. This may result in unexpected charges. Malicious apps may cost you money by sending messages without your confirmation.
Come comment on this article: Google Hangouts requires permissions to receive, read, and send SMS messages, could support be added soon?
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