The recently released Google Hangouts 5.0 update has finally addressed several issues in the previous versions.

In a report by Phandroid, it was learned that the issues on scrolling lag and GIF display can now be fixed.

The tech site noted that the "faster user experience" is the very first thing that can be observed in the latest update despite the fact that it "doesn't bring as many sweeping changes as 4.0 did."

"Conversations are quick to load, and it's just as quick to scroll through them," Quentyn Kennemer said in his review of the Google Hangouts 5.0 update. "We also get a new brief splash screen for the app's first boot."

It also reported that GIFs in the said messaging service are now working, while Google Voice has become "usable" since users already have the command to start an MMS messages rather than just replying to them.

Another notable change, Kennemer stated, is the removal of the widget, though, the reason behind it was not determined.

"Google left an actual widget in the app's code, but only to alert users that it's no longer available," he said. "Good for those who might otherwise wonder why there's a big empty space where their Hangouts widget is supposed to be."

In the meantime, some Google Hangouts users reacted on the availability of the version 5.0 update.

Commenting on the update posted on APK Mirror, Paul Hansen shared that "Honestly all I care about is that it got rid of the scrolling lag."

Meanwhile, two other users engaged into a discussion when MrRobot320 alleged that it is "Another useless update from the most useless team at Google - The Hangouts team."

"LOL you posted a GIF in your response...and the new Hangouts fixes GIF implementation. #NotEntirelyUseless,"CLPettigrew responded.

"Yeah," MrRobot320 answered back. "Because allowing GIFs again justifies the version bump from 4.2 to 5 while falling short on everything else. #Useless"

CLPettigrew gave out another opinion by saying, "Well you're in luck...sending GIF over SMS is still broken in Hangouts 5 (sends static image). Bravo Google."

With Google Hangouts 5.0 update, do you think the benefits have outweighed the negative feedbacks?