So do I continue using Google chat via OSX Messages or use the hangouts browser extension?

Not Gmail?

The new hangouts app was demoed at I/O it looks decent

oh nice. so that is different than the chrome/safari extensions?

gizmodo.com/goo...reach-506733952 - it's also standalone Android app outside of G+ app.

right, i've got the android/iOS apps. they're nice.

Derek, are you not in Gmail enough for the Gmail Hangouts app to work for you?

yea, but it sits in a tab in the background... i've never enjoyed using chat within gmail

Ah, fair. I actually like the fact that my chat is quarantined within one tab. :)