I do most of my development on Ubuntu but I still have all my productivity apps on Windows, and on that platform Hangouts' interface is just horrible. I keep hoping they will release something better, but the desktop is not where their energy is being expended these days. At least if they used XMPP third-party devs for whom the desktop remains relevant could create better clients. As it is now you either live with Hangouts or move off the platform entirely. Sort of odd and depressing to have ended up here, imo.