If you're an avid Gmail user, you may be hanging out the old-fashioned way.
The popular Google chat feature within Gmail — officially called Google Talk and unofficially known as Gchat — was updated nearly five months ago, but many still seem reluctant to make the change. In other cases, users are unknowingly still using the old version, unaware that an update even exists.
See also: 10 Simple Google Calendar Tips and Tricks to Boost Your Productivity
The chat feature is now referred to as Google+ Hangouts, a naming and functionality change that standardizes its utility across all of Google's platforms. The act of updating is a simple one. Where your picture appears on the left side of your Gmail inbox, click on the small arrow to release a drop down menu of options. Click on "Try the new hangouts" and voilà — you've updated.

But for Gmail stalwarts who are familiar and comfortable with Google's old chat service, the question remains: should you update to Hangouts at all?
Yes, you should.
New Hangouts has added features that make it a much nicer experience that isn't very far-off, from a user perspective, from the old Gchat. For starters, you can embed pictures directly into messages, whereas the old Gchat didn't allow users to send photos at all. This can be very useful when using Hangouts on mobile, where it could, in theory replace some of your text message conversations.
Hangouts has a cleaner, more visual layout within Gmail — it now displays your contacts' thumbnail pictures next to their names along the left of your inbox. There are also more than 500 new emojis available to Hangout users, and you can also copy a long message that has been sent your way in order to paste it into a document or email. In old Gchat, you could only copy messages that fit into the display box. Highlighting text that required scrolling wasn't an option.

Another benefit comes from standardizing messages across all your Google platforms. If you have Hangouts on Gmail, your messages will carry over and appear the same in Google+ and in the Hangouts app on your mobile device. You can also turn group chats into video calls with up to 10 people — Gchat only allowed 1-on-1 video conferencing.
Failing to update can limit chat's functionality. Those using the new Hangouts version of chat cannot participate in a group chat with those on the old version. If you have Hangouts, your group message will prompt those using the old Gchat to upgrade in order to participate. If you are using the old Gchat, your group message won't appear at all for users who already have the update.

The fact that the two versions aren't compatible could lead to some problems. The result of your misguided message could be as innocent as missing a memo about cookies in the conference room, or as frustrating as missing a major deadline.
The only other knock on Hangouts for gmail: you can't set an away message, which some people rely on every day. If you run to grab coffee and receive a message while you're away from your desk, the sender will be able to see that you haven't read it, but he or she won't know why. This could be a problem for impatient colleagues or those on a deadline who wonder why you aren't responding.
Of course, Google hopes you download Hangouts on your phone so that you can respond from anywhere, but that's just not always the case. Sometimes you just need a break from your computer, or not to be disturbed.
That being said, the absence of an away message feature is a small price to pay for all of the benefits that come along with updating your Gmail chat. It's time to start hanging out the way Google intended it.
Have you already updated to Hangouts in your Gmail? Tell us in the comments below.
Image: Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty Images
Gmail users can now control the density of their inbox. Depending on your preference of white space, you choose manually between three sizes: comfortable, cozy or compact.
An overall cleaner interface could make the initial shock of a heavy unread inbox a little easier to bear.
You can now adjust the size of labels and chat areas to view more or less of each.
Labels have also been moved to the top of your inbox in tab form, making it even easier to filter your inbox according to priority.
The new gmail automatically adapts to fit any size window. As you resize the window, the inbox becomes more or less dense.
Like before, you can select themes to personalize your inbox, but now there are high definition choices available. After testing on various sized screens, there is not a hugely noticeable difference, however the images are easier on the eyes.
Emails have been redesigned, making it feel more like a conversation. The people included in the conversation can be found on the right, appearing just as they would in Gchat with their status.
As we recently noticed, there have been some changes made to Google's photo editing applications. These have been integrated with Gmail, allowing you to upload and edit a profile picture.
Taking a cue from its own search engine features, Google's search in your inbox is customizable to your content, making it easier to find what you're looking for even faster.
There is also now a filter feature in the search box, making it easy to sift through a certain time period or find an attachment