As a heavy Hangouts user, these types of upgrades are always welcome: Google has just introduced an improved, redesigned web calling experience that has a simpler interface, and more.
Not only is it better to look at, but the other person on the other side of the webcam is better looking thanks to improvements Google has made on the video side of things. It has been noted that the new Hangouts "renders video more sharply, and streamlines the interface so you can focus less on where to click and more on what to say".
The post comes directly from Google Software Engineer Eduardo Fernández on his Google+ page. He also notced that calls will start faster, and stay more clearer with higher quality video than ever before.