Two Google Updates: Hangouts without Accounts, Creating accounts without mobile numbers
Two of my posts earlier today have teased out more information on both related topics. First: Confirmation that video Hangouts now can include persons without Google Accounts, however, I'm told that this currently is only when the originator of a Hangout is a Google Apps user (that is, the "work" version of Google services) and not an ordinary non-Apps Google user. I don't know if or when this capability might expand beyond Apps. I've also received a definitive statement on creating Google Accounts without a mobile phone number/SMS. Apparently it is still possible (in the vast majority of cases) but it appears that the format of the creation interface is causing some confusion (for some reason, suddenly seemingly increased confusion) between what is *optional* and what is required. Of course if there is a belief that mobile numbers are required even when that's a false belief, the negative impact can still be notable. If perchance you or someone you know feels that they were excluded from creating a Google account due to unwillingness to provide a mobile number, I'd appreciate hearing about it, because word is that this really should not be the case for ordinary account creations. Thanks. --Lauren-- Lauren Weinstein ([email protected]): http://www.vortex.com/lauren Founder: - Network Neutrality Squad: http://www.nnsquad.org - PRIVACY Forum: http://www.vortex.com/privacy-info Co-Founder: People For Internet Responsibility: http://www.pfir.org/pfir-info Member: ACM Committee on Computers and Public Policy Lauren's Blog: http://lauren.vortex.com Google+: http://google.com/+LaurenWeinstein Twitter: http://twitter.com/laurenweinstein Tel: +1 (818) 225-2800 / Skype: vortex.com I have consulted to Google, but I am not currently doing so. My opinions expressed here are mine alone. _______________________________________________ nnsquad mailing list http://lists.nnsquad.org/mailman/listinfo/nnsquad
