Make and Receive Phone Calls and Video Chat in Gmail FREE

August 27, 2010  

Okay since I’m such a fan of using free services, I tested GMail’s Voice and Video Chat Plugin today. It’s really cool!

GMail Voice and Video Chat Plugin is a free service (at least throughout the rest of this year I heard) integrated with Gmail (and Google Voice if you have it) so it can be used right from within your browser and with an Internet connection (great if you have crappy cell phone service at home).  Just use your microphone  (just audio chat) or webcam (for video chat) while using inside Gmail.

Call Phones from Gmail

Video is courtesy of Google. Check out the Official Gmail Blog for more information.

You can also customize your messenger preferences by clicking the Chat tab located on the GMail Settings page.

So here’s how it works:

1. You click on “Call phone” located at the top of the chat list;
2. When the dialpad pop up, dial a number you want to call (use area code) or type name of contact currently in your list.  Remember, US and Canada calls are only FREE right now. There are low rates for international calls.
3. And voila! Call will connect and you’ll enjoy a great conversation right from your computer! The voice quality is great too.

So go ahead and try it for yourself and download the GMail Voice and Video Chat Plugin and you can make calls to any U.S. or Canadian phone number directly from Gmail. And did I mention it was FREE

Next, I’ll try the Gmail Video Chat! Who wants to try it with me???

About Kesha Brown

Kesha is the Creative Director and Principal Web Designer at her company XD Web Solutions who specializes in helping small businesses and organizations maximize their online presence. Go ahead and follow her on Twitter and LinkedIn.