Hangouts on Air updated with ability to rewind, access recordings

You've been spared the grief of missing out on the beginning of a live Hangouts on Air broadcasts, as Google has rolled out a host of interesting updates.

Google now lets you rewind live Hangouts on Air broadcasts. This way, no matter when you start watching the session, you can always rewind to the beginning. In addition to that, you can access your recordings on YouTube almost as soon as you’re off your Hangouts on Air session. Those joining a Hangouts on Air session from their mobile device will be able to spot a "better-looking video". Another interesting update to Hangouts on Air is the ability to start live broadcasts without refreshing the page. So, when a user visits a page with a Hangout on Air, the video in it will begin playing as soon as the show begins. 

Never miss a thing now!

The post, however, goes on to add, "As part of these enhancements, it may take longer to set up your Hangout On Air. For example: the 'Start broadcasting' button may be grayed out for a bit, before it turns red. Nothing to worry about, this is just us getting everything in place before you go live."

It has been a while since Google+ Hangouts On Air went global. Google+ Hangouts on the Air is a feature that Google launched last year, wherein Hangouts could be broadcast by specific users for all the world to see.

Hangouts On Air had previously been used by singer/songwriters like Daria Musk and bands like Suite 709 to perform live for their global audiences and also jam with their fans face-to-face. Significant broadcast Hangouts have been the ones featuring the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu and was part of the Inaugural Desmond Tutu Peace Lecture. Closer home, another significant Hangout on the Air was hosted by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. The actor is not only the brand ambassador for Google+ in the country, but he also used the social network to promote his film Ra.One. Through such Hangouts, Google said in the blog post, that it noticed one thing: "when groups of passionate individuals can broadcast live, together, the results are truly remarkable."