Google does Skype

Google has added-Skype style voice and video calling to its Gmail and Google Apps services. The new features go live today.

The ability to place free worldwide VoIP calls to other Gmail or Google Apps users should appeal in these tight economic times, says Alan Noble, Google's head of engineering for Australia and New Zealand.

While many freebie VoIP and video alternatives already exist, Google says its service offers the convenience of not having to leave your browser for another program, as is the case with the market dominant Skype (owned by eBay).

Gmail users have to download a 0.2MB browser plug in to use the new service. "Start a voice chat" and "Start a video chat" options are then added to Gmail's existing Chat (instant messaging) window. Video chats appear in a small floating window (exploded for clarity in the screen shot above) that can be prodded around your screen.

To instal the new service, choose Options from inside a Gmail Chat window, or click here to read more about or download the associated browser plug-in.