Phone Call facility on Gmail

Media

August 27, 2010

Google has announced an additional service of phone calls in Gmail. But, it is confirmed by Google that this service would be allowed to Gmail users of USA and Canada only. This service of ‘Calls from Gmail’ will begin from this week only, confirmed the Google company.

Now people of USA and Canada can make free of cost phone calls on American and Canadian numbers direct from their Gmail accounts. And the phone calls can be made free of cost for at least the rest of the year. The good news is that along with local numbers the calls can be made to international numbers too on low rates, which would be as low as two cents per minute. Dwellers of USA and Canada can avail this phone service to international calls like that to China, Japan and Europe.

The software engineer Robin Schriebman wrote on the official Gmail blog that “starts today, you can call any phone right from Gmail.” He added that this addition is a development of the company’s current computer-to-computer voice and video chat services.

There would be an another option for phone calls in the chat list of Gmail and also a traditional-style on-screen keypad. Limiting this service, Google has not yet announced any plans of operating it in the UK or on its mobile phones.

Todd Rethemeier, an analyst at Hudson Square, told Reuters that Google’s move have presented “a risk to Skype”. Further he added, that however, it will be the attraction of cheap international calls that would likely drive people to use the service.

This step will bring Google into direct competition with both new media companies like Skype and traditional phone operators like BT. People are in big hope to get this service soon.

Author : Renu “the Traveler”

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Renu, a traveler reading, observing and exploring the world with a sensitive and open heart!! Masters in English Literature, at present working with an IM company- Digital Web Solutions as a writer; writing blogs, articles, news, press release etc. Traveling and reading are my passion as both the avenues enrich my knowledge besides bringing to the fore different ways of living.