You Can Now Make Free Calls Through Gmail
You Can Now Make Free Calls Through Gmail
Posted 08/25/2010 at 1:32pm
| by Ryan Whitwam
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Gmail has had the capability to do voice and video chat between PCs for some time. But starting today, Google is rolling out direct phone calls integrated into Gmail. In the Chat area on the left side of Gmail, users will now see a 'Call Phone' option. The first time you launch it, Gmail will prompt you to install the Voice plug-in. Then you are able to place free calls to the US and Canada. Google has pledged to keep these calls free through at least the end of 2010. International calls are billed at very low rates; calls to France, for example, cost $0.02 per minute.
The interface is a simple dialpad where users can input a number or contact search. There is also a tab for call history in this window. Users with a Google Voice account will have some interesting options here. The outbound caller ID will display your Google Voice number. Should you choose, calls to that Google Voice number can be forwarded to Gmail.
The new feature is rolling out in waves over the next few days, so if you're not seeing it already, you will be soon. To place calls from Gmail, you will of course need a microphone and speakers/headphones on your system. If you've had the chance to test it, let us know how it works.
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jhon
November 16, 2010 at 4:33pm
Voipscall.comprovides worldwide online telephone calls for free. All you need is a COMPUTER, INTERNET, HEADSET to start making free VoIP calls. no need to register any account. Dont forget you still need PC supporting Adobe Flash Player 9.0 or higher. This absolutely free online application which allows you to make PC-to-phone international calls using a browser only. http://www.voipscall.com
PM_DMNKLR
August 26, 2010 at 2:01pm
Well I'm glad that some of you were able to use it, I tried multiple numbers, to no avail. It simply kept saying "your call cannot be completed at this time". Yes, I most certainly did check everything to ensure there was no reason for issue.
carnivorousslushee23
August 25, 2010 at 8:38pm
This is an awesome new addition to Gmail. Since I am one of the very few in this country who does not yet have a cell phone, this will be very helpful while I'm at college. I've been planning on getting an HTC Hero because I wanted a sorta-cheap (compared to say, the Incredible, EVO, or Droid X) Android phone with 2.1, but this might just cause me to wait a little while again.
lancethepants
August 25, 2010 at 7:53pm
It works pretty much as you would suspect. You can make out-bound calls right from your computer. In order to recieve calls you need to go to voice and you'll see the option to recieve calls in google chat, just like it was another forwarding phone number. This could very well replace a land-line. The only drawback is that you need your browser open and in gmail to recieve calls. I'm hoping for this rumored desktop client, or for integration into google google talk client. Other than that, it's superb.
igoka
August 25, 2010 at 3:46pm
Am I the only one who can't find 'Call Phone' option . Can someone explain where is it ?
TheTrevon
August 25, 2010 at 5:23pm
If you don't have it now you will eventually. They usually roll out stuff slowly.
it should be on the left under chat so if you have that bit expanded and you don't see it then you'll have to wait a bit
dedmoon
August 25, 2010 at 3:02pm
worked well for me. downloaded it to my osx 10.4.11 mac pro at work and called my iphone...maybe one day i'll try calling someone else:)
tornato7
August 25, 2010 at 1:41pm
Great call quality, and it uses my google voice credit. I've always wanted a call from computer google voice thing. Now if only i could recieve calls in gmail... EDIT: It also used my google voice number to call with, what number does it use for non voice people?
CallPakistan
January 07, 2011 at 11:24pm
I have been trying to call Pakistan through this but it doesnt work
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