Google is shutting down its Hangouts API

Google has decided to withdraw support for its Hangouts API. This means that no new apps can be created that use the api. Existing apps will continue to work until April 25.

Google only disclosed the decision through an update to its faq and an email to developers using the api, TechCrunch noted. In the message, Google says that it wants to focus more on business users and meetings with Hangouts. That’s why it decided to discontinue the Google+ Hangouts API, which allowed developers to build apps for the older version of Hangouts video calling. It was originally intended for consumers.

The company says it is aware that the decision will affect developers who have invested in the API, but that the change is necessary for a more “targeted” app. There are, however, a number of exceptions. For example, some features will continue to work beyond the April 25 deadline, including the join an existing call feature. The same goes for integration with business communication tools like Slack and Hangouts on Air, which allow users to broadcast conversations. It had previously been moved from Google+ to YouTube Live. The api itself was introduced by Google in 2011.

Google already made the decision in October to replace Hangouts with its video chat app Duo in the standard apps of the Google Mobile Services package. Google is announcing the app together with Allo, which allows users to chat with each other. Hangouts hasn’t gotten any new features for a long time.