Gmail Updates Calling Feature

Over a year ago, Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) Gmail introduced a new calling feature in the United States. Though the company did not spend a large amount on publicity for the new feature, they were able report over one million calls, through Calling from Google.



Google made the feature free in the United States and Canada. However as Skype has remained a popular voice over IP calling and conferencing service, Google’s version has taken long to catch on. Those who want to use this feature will have to download the program from the company’s site and they will be able to make calls from their computer, using a head piece and web cam. Users calling outside of the United States and Canada also had the option to pay a small per minute charge to use this service, which lets users call land lines and cell phones. One of the major problems apart from the lack of awareness of the service has been the cost involved. Though Google had tried their best to keep the calling charges as low as possible other companies including Skype were able to offer a better service package. Recently Facebook, another one of Google’s competitors, announced that they will be introducing a new feature for their users, which would enable them to call and conference with their friends around the world. As Facebook has over 700 million active users, the new feature has attracted millions of users. In an effort to keep up with their competitors, Google has just announced that they have upgraded their calling feature. The company has publicly announced that in addition to the United States, the new calling feature will now be available in several foreign countries. They have added 38 new languages and over 150 new calling destinations. The company hopes that the upgraded version of Google Call will certainly attract more of their 200 million active users.



In addition to increasing the calling destination, Google has also confirmed that they have been able to lower their calling charges. In fact the new per minute charges, to most destinations, are currently the lowest compared to other competitors. According to users, charges are almost 50% less than Skype, though the destinations are limited. This is certainly a great upgrade for users who are looking for a cheaper calling service, and if Google is able to hold onto their lower price point, they will certainly be able to attract additional users.