Google has been trying to expand into voice calling for a while now. Google Voice. Google Vido Chat. But, starting today, you can use Gmail to receive or place Google Voice calls.
Let’s say you’re out of of your cell area or you’re getting bad reception. Now you can use your computer to both make and receive calls. Simply check the box next to Google Chat in your “phone forward” list. The next time someone calls your Google Voice number, Gmail will notify you of an incoming call straight on your desktop. Either take the call through your computer mic or headphones, or listen in as the caller leaves a message, right on your computer.
Plus, make outgoing calls by clicking the “Call phone” link. Calls will be made using your Google Voice number and priced at low Google Voice rates. Whether or not Google is trying to take on Skype, or a future Facebook product with this new release, who knows?