Messaging has never been ’s strong suit. Aside from the various messaging apps from Android phone makers, it also has its own problems, with numerous overlapping apps that all have similar functions: lo, Android Messages, Hangouts, Duo, Voice, Talk. Now, is taking some much-needed steps to consolidate its efforts.

On ne 26, will finally be closing Talk for good. The instant messaging service affectionately known as Gchat is one of ’s oldest messaging apps, having been in existence since 2005. y back in 2013, began encouraging Talk users to switch to Hangouts, on ne 26 the transition will be complete its doors will be closed for good. On that day, any straggling Talk users will be automatically transitioned to Hangouts for good, where they can continue chatting with their friends. (And for anyone who was hanging on just for the interface, notes that the Dense Roster setting in Hangouts will provide a similar experience.)

so part of the change will be the removal of SMS support from Hangouts. That change will happen on May 22, at which point will force all users to Android Messages for their texting needs. This doesn’t come as a surprise, since announced a business-minded revamp for Hangouts a couple weeks back also recently announced Android Messages, a new push name for its previous SMS app, Messenger.

ile we’re sure to hear more about this new strategy at I/O, it looks like Android Messages is the new app to rule them all: “’re focused on making Android Messages the primary place to access SMS are working with carriers device manufacturers to include Android Messages natively in Android devices. Over time, we’re working with partners to upgrade SMS to RCS—the next stard in carrier messaging that will bring features like read receipts, group chat, hi-res photo sharing more.”

Talking points: Any time makes a change to one of its messaging apps is usually cause for concern, but this is a good thing. Talk hasn’t received any official support for years, Hangouts can now be what it’s supposed to be: a modern replacement for Gchat. sing SMS support in Hangouts isn’t a huge deal either, since seems committed to making Android Messages the default texting client that we actually want to use. But that’ll take two things: merging it with lo so we can enjoy stickers Assistant, developing a proper backup system so we don’t lose all our conversations when we switch phones.