Google Chat is now offering free calls in Gmail, thanks to a new calling feature that the guys at Googleplex are trialling. What’s more, special Google Voice phone boxes will be popping up in the UK, offering more free calls – and hopefully no smell of wee…
The new Google Chat feature will be a web-based voice service, similar to Skype. The Google Chat interface will get an additional icon, so you can launch the service from the taskbar. You don’t even have to have a Google Voice account.
The service seems to be getting a soft launch internationally right now,with users in UK reporting that they can receive the service. It also seems to be offering free calls to the US and Canada. Could Skype be quaking in its boots?
And Google’s bid for world domination in telecommunications continues, with news that the guys will be installing Google phone boxes. The booths won’t have a Google Nexus One lurking inside, but will use Google Voice and are part of a drive to raise awareness of the service, and to demonstrate its quality.
You’ll be able to make domestic and international calls for free. The boxes are done up like old-school red telephone boxes, but since they’ll only be appearing in universities and airports, you’d hope that dodgy business cards and wee smell will be minimal…
Via: Cnet
