Recent update to google hang outs renders app useless

[dark1003]

I have a Moto g and I installed the latest update for Google hang outs last week.
first of all the new IU is very ugly but the worst part is that it causes the app to crash every time I try to send a message.
does any one else have this problem.

 

[B. Diddy]

I actually like the new UI. Try going to Settings>Apps>All, select Hangouts, and Clear Cache/Clear Data, then Force Stop. Be aware that Clear Data might delete any saved messages.

 

[dark1003]

Well I do like the new UI. But its too green. Can that be changed / customized?

 

[B. Diddy]

Not at this time.

 

[a33799]

If anyone else is having trouble and not receiving notifications, the fix is an easy one: Click your account name in the hangouts app, then click settings, then the account name in the settings list. There should be a notifications tab and for some reason the update turned off "Hangouts messages & invites". Turn on play sound, and it should be good to go.