Google Hangouts to use peer-to-peer connections to improve call quality

PanARMENIAN.Net - Google Hangouts has received a small but important backend upgrade: peer-to-peer (p2p) connections. Google confirmed to VentureBeat that the functionality started rolling out to all users this week, the news agency reports.

“To improve call quality and speed, Hangouts will route audio and video over a peer-to-peer connection when possible,” a Google spokesperson told VentureBeat. The “when possible” part is key — Hangouts won’t be using p2p every single time. To be clear, Google confirmed that Hangouts is getting peer-to-peer functionality on all platforms (Android, iOS, and web), not just Android.

A Hangouts Help support document explains that peer-to-peer connections allow Hangouts “to more efficiently route your call directly to the person you’re talking to, rather than connecting the call through one of Google’s servers.”

This is great news for anyone who has ever been frustrated with the call quality on Google Hangouts. Some, however, may be concerned that their IP address will be exposed. The good news is that there doesn’t seem to be a way to show someone’s IP addresses in the Hangouts user interface.