I've loved my mobile phone since switched to android from iPhone; however, there's been one basic thing that's been missing: A good text messaging app.

Sure, I've tried a few in the play store: handcent sms and go sms to name a couple, but they always come up lacking a little bit.  Ads, clunky interfaces, and too many "premium" features that get in the way of a clean UI.  What I've always wanted in my texting app is what comes stock on any iPhone: seamless handling of group and mms type messages with a clean interface.

Google hangouts seems to be the answer (finally).  The app allows you to cleanly and easily text and send group texts seamlessly.

You can also switch over to google chat with your contacts, and use the app to place phone calls as well as video chats through google.  While I think the app has a ways to go in integrating texting and google talk (much like iMessage), it's a huge step in the right direction.

Hangout's is going to be rolled out to users in the play store over the next couple weeks, but if you're anxious to try it you can download the app here.  (note: You'll also have to head to the app store and download an apk installer app)