Google Docs integration has graduated from extras, and is now a regular Hangouts feature available for everyone. For smaller teams of ten members or less, Google Hangouts is a wonderful collaboration tool in real time, and with Google Docs collaboration becoming a core feature on Google Hangouts, this could get a serious boost.

The new intergation means that aside from regular video and audio conferences, Hangout participants can upload and share various Google Docs, and edit them collaboratively as the meeting progresses. Try it out by launching a Hangout and clicking on the new Docs button. From there on you can:

• Add an existing document, or upload a new one.
• View uploaded documents in the left side of the window.
• Choose to toggle between and collaboratively edit multiple documents at once.

Google Docs integration was a available as preview feature since last year, along with screen sharing and sketchpad. Robin Schriebman from Google shared the update on Google+ and mentioned:

Google+ community has used it for all sorts of awesome — from trip planning and lecture notes to doodling and charades. Today I’m happy to announce that we’re graduating Google Docs to the core Hangouts experience for all users.

Potential uses could range from recording minutes on a Google Doc or working collaboratively on a term project, deciding on an itinerary, or just taking down impromptu notes. The Google Docs integration has certainly placed video conferencing on steroids. Do you agree?

Source: Google Plus