Skype may have a little competition here. Google has unveiled its video and voice functions and would be embedded in gmail interface. It can’t match the paid service that Skype provides but is a good addition to the simple and smooth interface of gmail. However, users have complained installation of the chat software makes the computer slow and inefficient on old computers.

I installed it too, and found that it uses more resources than normal chat software. Nevertheless, the fact is that gmail is so prevalent and a stripped down chat software embedded into email is quite attractive. The video conferencing facility could actually help many businessmen and even friends and relatives to stay in touch without having to spend much at all.

Apparently we shall soon be able to send SMS as well. Google knows that when everything is provided at one single place, with a great interface, then people would definitely opt for Google’s services than go for a rival’s paid services. For now, people have been busy downloading and trying how the audio chat/video conferencing works from gmail.

Via: CNet