Google Hangouts 7.0 introduces Quick Reply

Google Hangouts now let you reply to messages without opening the app
Google Hangouts for Android has started receiving a new update that bumps the version to 7.0 and brings new features. The new app update is currently available to limited users and is expected to be pushed out to more users soon.

The latest Hangouts for Android update adds the new quick reply option to the app. With the new feature, users will be able to reply directly from notification tab by just hitting the reply button. The quick reply feature sends the reply without opening the app.

Apart from the quick reply, the app receives a new feature that will allow users to create conversation shortcuts on home screen. Users can create a shortcut by selecting the "Save to home screen" option from the overflow menu within conversation.

The feature will allow users to continue the conversation with a particular contact and will offer direct access to the conversation, instead of first opening the app and then finding/jumping to the conversation. The update also brings design tweaks that replace checkboxes, found on previous version, with toggles.