A new tool is available to give users options when it comes to Google Hangout graphics. Hangout Magix was unveiled on May 4 by entrepreneurs Alex Kozak and Bertrand Diouly.
The app is intended to work alongside Hangout Toolbox, a Google+ extension that is available on the left sidebar of Google Hangouts.
“Hangout Toolbox already lets you add some graphic elements to your presentations, but it’s very basic,” said Kozak. “Hangout Magix gives you more options.”
The tool requires minimal design skills or experience, according to Kozak. Anyone can use the tool for free directly on hangoutmagix.com. Users can change around the design elements that appear on the screen during Hangouts, including text, backgrounds, colors, and logos. The design elements can be made to appear on the lower third of the screen, the sidebar, or even toward the top.
By simply clicking on the text part of the demo screen and typing a new title and subtitle, users can change the text to include their name, job title, social media accounts, a call to action, or whatever they choose.
Then they can choose from a predetermined group of background styles and colors to appear behind the text.
They can also add a logo to appear to the right of their text by choosing from a selection of popular logos or uploading a custom company logo. Once all the elements have been customized, users can download the file and then use Hangout Toolbox to add the design to their Hangouts.
Once Hangout Toolbox is open, users need to turn on the custom overlay option on the right side of the screen. Then upload the file created with Hangout Magix. Users can upload graphics to use with both Google Hangouts and Hangouts On Air.
Kozak is a self-proclaimed “Google Hangouts fan.” He said that the idea for Hangout Magix came to him just a few months ago out of a desire to have more options to customize his own Hangouts. Diouly had been involved in creating some similar graphics tools, so the two were able to form a partnership and quickly launch the new tool.
Hangout Magix is still a work in progress, according to Kozak, as the creators are looking to gain feedback from users.
Shawn Hessinger
Hi Annie,
This looks like a very interesting app. It reminds me of something on the order of the Google Effects application already available on Hangouts, though it appears much more versatile. Like Kozak, I’d have to declare myself a hardcore Hangouts fan. In fact, I think I’d spend all my time on there, if I could, although that might be sort of unproductive. 🙂 I have to admit I don’t have much familiarity with Hangout Toolbox, however. Wonder if the creators of Hangout Magix would mind checking in with us here in the comment section in the event readers have any questions they might want to post.
Thank you, Annie for writing this report about HangoutMagix!
I hope that followers of Small Business Trends will find it useful. It has been designed to allow you to add pro looking graphic elements easily and help you brand your business and market your product or service better within your hangout presentations or meetings.
Shawn – thanks for your feedback.
And of course we’ll be more then happy to answer any questions here and help members of this community if they have any difficulties using our tool.
We’d love to hear your feedback and suggestions – it will help us to make it better for you.
Let us know
Anita Campbell
Thanks, Alex, for creating this app. I’ve already told Brent Leary who hosts our Friday interview series about it. We’d like to do more Hangout interviews and this could be a great way to brand them.
– Anita
Thank You, Anita for your support.
Btw – if you’d like you could send us a screenshot of your hangout and we’ll feature it(+the source) on our G+ page.