Google Calling

Google has just changed the way we connect over the telephone as it launched its new telephone service last week which had a record one million calls being made within the first 24 hours of it going live. There's a consensus that phone calls via Gmail will benefit so many people, making it easy to stay in touch with friends and family. It's another step along the road to the idea of one number that can reach you wherever you are, rather than separate ones for mobile, home and work. Just as there is one Facebook profile, one main email address, so too the integration of services looks set to mean one phone number will ring through to the most appropriate mobile, desk phone or computer.

Google's move is the beginning of an attempt to bring all our different numbers together. It's a logical, obvious ambition to unify communication, in its various modern forms, into a single place. Till now telephone calls made from a PC required both parties to be at their computers; but Google has changed this, as it recognises that most of us don't spend all day in front of our computers. Instead it now gives us (well most of us as the service doesn't operate in the UK, yet) the option of making calls from our PC to contacts directly on their phones. This clever move will put Google into direct competition with new media companies such as Skype, as well as traditional phone operators such as BT here in the UK.

Currently, Google is only offering free calls to Gmail users in the USA and Canada. Its tariffs offer a low rate, which could be as low as two cents per minute to Europe, China and Japan, including other international calls. It will mean the future of phoning will be cheap, so no excuses making those calls.

To make phone calls from Gmail, you need to install the Google Voice software onto your PC, which is a free download and the only hardware required is a headset and a microphone. It will work by adding another option to the chat list in Gmail, as well as offering a traditional-style on-screen keypad. The service is only available through the standard Gmail client software and not through any third party who are using it as part of the Google Apps suite.  This functionality is scheduled for the Google Apps platform but will not be released immediately. If someone calls your Google number, Gmail will notify you of an incoming call, giving you the option to take the call or listen to messages.

Realistically, the day when the landline, mobile and computer are all completely united is some way off; however, Google's entry into the phone market makes me wonder...is Facebook taking note? This would be a great feature for the social networking site!

Photo Credit: Mr Thomas