Google recently announced that Google+ Hangouts (part of the Google+ offer) now provides support for free outbound PSTN calling to USA and Canada. This has many buzzing about G+ hangouts as being the “Future of Conferencing” etc.
We thought it would be interesting to take a brief look at G+ Hangouts and list some of the main conferencing-centric differences that we have observed when using G+ Hangouts and Gaboogie Conferencing. I am sure this will change but here is a feature comparison as of today…
Free Sign-up & Free VoIP Conferencing
G+ Hangouts: Yes.
Gaboogie: Yes.
PSTN Dial-in Capabilities
G+ Hangouts: No
Gaboogie: US / Canada Toll Free, International Dial-in Numbers
PSTN Dial-out Capabilities
G+ Hangouts: VoIP to PSTN via Browser, USA & Canada
Gaboogie: US / Canada, International, VoIP (via Registered IP Phones) to PSTN
Video Capabilities
G+ Hangouts: Video via Browser Plugin
Gaboogie: Video via registered SIP / VoIP endpoints (coming soon)
Number of PSTN Participants
G+ Hangouts: 2
Gaboogie: 500
SIP Registration (organizers & attendees)
G+ Hangouts: No.
Gaboogie: Yes.
Call Scheduling with Dial-out
G+ Hangouts: No.
Gaboogie: Yes.
Call Recording
G+ Hangouts: No.
Gaboogie: Yes.
Host / Moderator Controls (PSTN & Web)
G+ Hangouts: No.
Gaboogie: Yes.
Social Sign-in
G+ Hangouts: Yes.
Gaboogie: Yes.
Call from Phone book / Contacts
G+ Hangouts: No.
Gaboogie: Yes.
Time Limit & Countdown
G+ Hangouts: No.
Gaboogie: Yes.
Multiple / Simultaneous Conferences
G+ Hangouts: Cold not get this work.
Gaboogie: Yes.