Part 12 of a series. Read Part 11 here.
Since introducing the new Google+ Hangouts, Google is starting to integrate the tools into their other services. One of the first opportunities for integration is trying out the new Hangouts right within Gmail. Right now is a transition period and, if you don't like the new Hangouts in Gmail, you can switch back to the old chat.
I'm also going to show you how to move the chat/Hangout list to the right-side of Gmail which it makes it much easier to use and more closely resembles the Hangout list on the Google+ Home page.
Login to your Google account and click "Mail" at the top of the page
Click the "Gear" icon above the message list and click "Settings"
Click the "Labs" tab
Locate the "Right-side chat" section and click "Enable"
Click "Save Changes"
Click the "arrow" next to your icon in the Chat list
Click "Try the new Hangouts"
The appearance of the Chat list will change to closely resemble the Hangout list on the right-side of the Google+ page. To start a new Hangout, search for a name, email address or Circle. You can also click a name in the list to rejoin a previous Hangout
Paul Barrette is the Director of Technology of Burrillville School Department and past president of the Rhode Island Society of Technology Educators.
