Gmail users who upgraded Google Talk to Hangouts back in May were up in arms after discovering that doing so removed the ability to make voice calls. Google addressed this issue on Tuesday after it finally introduced voice calls to Hangouts.
"For those of you who have taken the plunge and are using desktop Hangouts in Gmail, Google+ and the Chrome extension, we've heard loud and clear that you miss the ability to make calls from Gmail, so today, we're happy to announce it's back," Alex Wiesen, a senior software engineer, wrote in a blog post.
Citing new features such as adding multiple phone numbers and video participants to the same call, as well as playing sound effects with the Google Effect app, Wiesen said the newly dubbed "Hangouts calling" is "better than before." He added that calls to the U.S. and Canada are free from countries where Hangouts calling is available, while international rates are reasonably priced.
To make a call, users must click the phone icon in Gmail, and the "Call a phone" menu item inGoogle+ and the Chrome extension. Those who don't yet have Hangouts in Gmail — but want to try it — must click on their profile photo in the chat list, and select "Try the new Hangouts."
Homepage image courtesy of Flickr, sneurgaonkar; other images courtesy of Google
Making calls from Hangouts will roll out over the next few days.
Are you excited that voice calling is back in Gmail? Tell us in the comments, below.
[via The Verge]
Homepage image courtesy of Flickr, sneurgaonkar; other images courtesy of Google
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