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Tool that enables video and audio calls through Google

Tool that enables video and audio calls through Google

Vote: (610 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: Google

Version: 2.2.2.0

Works under: Windows

Also available for Mac

Vote:

Program license

(610 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

Google

2.2.2.0

Works under:

Also available for

Windows

Mac

Google Voice and Video is the tech giant's contribution to live chatting and video conferencing. It is fairly simple and straightforward, and the service operates through the main Gmail framework and interface. Google users will enjoy the convenience of chatting with people who are already in their contact list, and connectivity seems pretty stable and reliable.

This platform seems to be off to a good start, but it has a long way to go before it can match what other established services offer their users. Yahoo and MSN messenger, as well as Skype and a host of other applications, provide a ton of additional features that are not included in the Google platform. Emoticons, file sharing, adjustable windows, and other effects aren't as developed or visually appealing. The fact that users need to log in and open their email account in the browser is a bit obtrusive and inconvenient as well.

Google has addressed some of these issues by enabling the chat window to detach from the browser as a pop-up application, but the browser still needs to be opened in order for it to work. Maybe these are just little problems that will be resolved as Google continues to evolve, but I'm not ready to embrace this particular feature at the present time.

It does show some potential as a platform for collaboration and project management, and users can combine the chat feature with the sharing capabilities of Google Docs and Drive. However, it doesn't seem to have the same appeal as a social networking platform that some of the other big players are able to maintain.

These comments are based on my own preferences, and others may disagree with my assessment. The installation and integration of the chat and video feature is fast and easy, and there are no performance issues that seem to cause problems or conflicts.

Pros

Seamless integration with Gmail and other Google features

It works well with sharing and collaboration applications

It isn't system intensive

No need to build new contact lists

Cons

Limited functionality

Participants must have a Google account

The browser must be open

User must be logged into email account