August 27, 2014 - 14:53 AMT
Google rolls out Gmail update to boost Hangouts integration

Google is rolling out an update for Gmail across all platforms that improves Hangouts integration on the service, Digital Spy reported.

The new Hangouts chat tab makes it easier for users to tell which of their friends are online, and allows them to pin their favourite contacts to the top of the list.

"Starting today it's easier to see which of your chat buddies are currently online," said the firm in a Google+ post. "Plus, you can also now pin your favourite contacts (you know, your mum, your BFFL, or your crush) to the top of your contact list."

Google is distributing the update over the coming days. Users can expect to see a button labelled 'try the new Hangouts' appear under their chat settings, which will upgrade the service to the latest version.

Last week, security researchers exposed a flaw in the Gmail Android app that could allow hackers to break into users' accounts by exploiting a weakness in smartphone memory.

Google welcomed the research, issuing a statement declaring that such revelations help make its Android operating system stronger.