Google Adds Voice Calling to Hangouts
Hey, I just met you...
Google today announced that it's bringing the ability to make calls from inside Gmail. The company decided to bring the feature back following feedback from users. This feature was actually promised to users back in May, after it emerged that the new version of Hangouts didn't support outbound calls on the web and in the Chrome extension.
Senior Software Engineer Alex Wiesen broke the news via the Gmail blog, declaring that the feature was back and better than ever.
"Today's launch also improves the desktop calling experience in a number of ways. For example: you can add multiple phone numbers and video participants to the same call; and you can play sound effects (like applause or laughter) with the Google Effects app," Wiesen wrote.
What's more, Google says calls to the U.S. and Canada are now free from all countries where Hangouts calling is available. International rates are "super, super low."
Let us know if you try out voice calling!
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Jane McEntegart is a writer, editor, and marketing communications professional with 17 years of experience in the technology industry. She has written about a wide range of technology topics, including smartphones, tablets, and game consoles. Her articles have been published in Tom's Guide, Tom's Hardware, MobileSyrup, and Edge Up.
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techmeasy I changed my gmail to hangouts and the phone icon shows to the right of New Hangouts.It would have been nice to show the picture of the Hangouts with the phone instead of the Google logo. Thanks..Reply -
techmeasy I changed my gmail to hangouts and the phone icon shows to the right of New Hangouts.It would have been nice to show the picture of the Hangouts with the phone instead of the Google logo. Thanks..Reply