Along with improvements in Gmail and Google Voice, Google also announced today that it was adding a few new features to Google Hangouts in an update that will roll out in the next few days. Most of the changes will make it easier to start a hangout.

The upcoming version of Hangout adds a new status update indicator that’ll let you know who is available to chat and who is offline. When browsing a contact, a green bubble icon means the person is reachable, while a gray icon means they are away.

Browsing through your address book when starting a new Hangout has been made easier with new sections that organize your contacts into “People you Hangout with”, “Suggested People” and “Other Contacts”.

Lastly, Google has placed Hangout Invites above conversations making them easier to find. Also, the app now allows you to hide people from the new Hangout screen by tapping and holding on their name and then selecting “Hide Contact.” These new features will be available in the version 1.2 update, which will land in the Google Play Store soon.