Google Hangout hints and tips

Overview

Google Hangouts are a free service provided by Google, which allow for video chats between up to 10 people.

To participate in a Hangout only requires a modern PC web browser, or an Android phone with the Google Plus app installed.

Installing the required bits and pieces

When you participate in a Hangout for the first time, the required plug-ins will be installed.

It is therefore recommended to attend a "fake hangout" with a friend before your maiden Google Hangout so the appropriate plug-ins are installed ahead of time.

On Linux, you will be asked to add a new repository, and may also need to perform an update after the repository is installed before you can install the plug-ins.

Microphone/Headset

If you are using the Gnome 3 desktop environment, setting your USB headset or microphone as the default device can sometimes be difficult.

Using Gnome 3 extensions will help you immensely to ensure your headset or microphone is the primary device during a Google Hangout.

Installing the Pulse Audio Shortcuts Extension

1. Visit https://extensions.gnome.org/extension/109/pulse-audio-shortcuts/
2. Install the Extension.
3. Install the suggested packages in the description of the extension (not doing this will make the extesion useless).
4. If the extension does not appear in the task bar, restart your Gnome 3 session
   Alt+F2, then type restart or r.
5. Plug in your USB headset or mic.

Setting your input/output device

1. Open the Volume Control menu in the task bar.
2. Select Pulse Audio Shortcuts, and then click Volume Control.
3. Click Volume Control.
4. In the volume control window, select Configuraton.
   Your Internal Audio and <Headset/Mic Name> will display.
5. Select the "OFF" profile for the Internal Audio device.
6. The USB headset is now the only device that will playback and send audio on your PC.

When you have completed the Google Hangout, unplug your USB device, and reverse the configuration in the Setting your input/output device procedure.

Hints and Tips

Wired vs Wireless

If possible, use a wired network connection because you're likely to get better video quality.

Testing... testing... Is this thing on?

Since a Google Hangout uses both audio and video sources, you need to check the audio settings of your desktop environment (DE) AND those of the Google Hangout.

1. Before starting the Hangout, check your DE's audio setting, making sure that the volume settings are OK and that your microphone is on;
2. Once the Hangout is started, click on the Settings icon and again confirm that your microphone is on.

Forgetting to do both these checks may result in an award-winning Marcel Marceau impression.

Add your national flag and screen name to your Hangout window

When you start a Hangout, there are many add-ons (called Apps) that will enhance your experience, particulary when talking with international folk, or in a full room.

Once such add on is "Hangout Toolbox". This app will superimpose your name (of your choosing) and your national flag as a "lower third" of your hangout view window.

This makes it really easy to work out who is speaking, and what their name is.

1. In a hangout session, select Add Apps from the left hand list.
2. From the list of available apps, select Hangout Toolbox and install.
3. Hangout Toolbox will display in your left pane apps list.
4. Click to open the menu.
5. The first menu is the "lower third" menu.
6. Set the following
   1. User Name
   2. Role (in the second field)
   3. Select Country (your flag)
   4. Set the slider to ON.

      Talk to the camera, not the screen

7. The configured options will display the info like you see in news broadcasts. Very cool.

Use Events to make fancy meeting invitations

Google Plus has an Events tab, and it is simply awesome for making meeting invites for work meetings.

You can create an event, and invite people you know on G+ directly. If the invitees accept the meeting, it will appear in their Google calendar as an appointment, and will remind them to attend.

When the user visits G+ to join the hangout, a "join now" button displays at the event start time.

Note
     If you are the organizer, you can not start the Hangout earlier from the invite. You must wait until the start time ticks over before you can launch the Hangout. Otherwise you get an "Untitled" hangout, which none of the other participants will know about.

Talk to the camera, not the screen

When you are the one talking in a Hangout, it is natural to want to talk to the person you see on the screen. This has a weird side-effect: you appear to be looking "somewhere else", not at the person.

Take a leaf out of broadcast television: the camera is the audience. Talk to the camera and engage your participants.