Google has added support for video and voice capabilities for the chat function embedded in the Gmailinterface. It’s a simple service and is easy to install and use and appears to be a very good addition to Gmail.
Unlike Skype’s paid service, Gmail Video and Voice cannot connect to the plain phone network. Some more optional features like a voice call recorder are also missing.
Gmail Video and Voice is a bit different from many current video chat products and uses a proprietary plug-in, not Flash. The small (2MB) download supports Firefox, IE, and Chrome on the PC, and Firefox on the Mac.
The existing Google Talk application which currently supports voice chat may get the video capability later.
Google has got the first release of its videophone pretty much right. It works, it’s easy, and if you’re a Gmail user, the service is right where you want it.
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