Google+ Hangouts and Phone Numbers

There's an interesting Google Settings page for phone numbers. By default, the page only includes a message that says: "No phone numbers associated with this setting."

A help center page explains that this feature will help your friends find your phone number.

"Help people who have your phone number find you on Google services and connect with you. For example, your friends will be able to start a Hangout with you by typing in your phone number. When this setting is checked, it makes it easier for people who have your phone number to find you on Google services. When this setting is unchecked, people may not be able to look up your name, photo and public Google profile (and other profile information you have shared with them) via that phone number."

It's related to the new Google+ Hangouts service, which asks users to verify their phone numbers so that the people who have their numbers could find them. Google tries to compete with services like iMessage and WhatsApp that replace text messaging.

If you confirm one or more phone numbers, the settings page will include them and you can uncheck some of them.

{ Thanks, Herin. }