Google testing Gmail VoIP feature?

Rumor

CNET is reporting that “Google is testing a Web-based service within Gmail that will allow users to place phone calls from their in-boxes.” The new reported service will allow users to make VoIP calls to landline and cellular phones, not just other Gmail or Google Talk users. CNET explains, “This is the likely culmination of Google’s work to integrate Gizmo5′s similar product, which it acquired late last year, into its arsenal.” Details on exactly how the service will work were not revealed to the site, and it is not clear if a Google Voice account will be required. When asked to comment on the report, the search giant would only say: “Google is always testing new features and products, but we have nothing specific to announce right now.” What do you think? Would you find functionality like this useful?

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19 Comments
  • fp hc hi

    Hells yeah

  • Sean

    You know cell phone service giants will probably not allow this on a cellular network probably just wifi

  • http://fsp.tel Frank Pilone

    What will be even better is if Google actually improved Gizmo native SIP instead of trying something that was maybe popular a decade ago. At least in my opinion, to have a hardware based SIP device is better than relying on your computer. This is one of the reasons why people aren’t running out to get Magic Jacks since you have to use your computer to make a call.

    If Google just used the SIP system, and integrated with Google Voice (therefore showing a real phone number), then people can have the choice of using a SIP phone, or using software on the computer.

  • Mr MN

    If I can use it to make phone calls and send text messages, I will no longer need a cell phone. Maybe it’s time Google made these wireless carriers feel like Garmin and other GPS manufacturers when it released Google Maps Navigation for free. Gee, I look forward to seeing that happen.

  • Bonz_Malone

    If they can compete with Skype then it will force both companies to innovate at a faster pace. Imagine having a sip device with a $40 mobile hotspot or something that will allow for calling anywhere at rates that will cause cell phone companies to quake. I envision an android device that would provide us with a viable alternative to the tyranny of cell phone companies.

    • Dara

      Imagine owning a cell phone that you bought in 2007 that IS a SIP device and did everything you mentioned out of the box, except that it’s also a mobile hotspot so you don’t need to pay anyone anything extra.

      It’s called a Nokia and it’s nothing new.

  • fred

    I want this so I can use whatever phone I feel like using that day not just the ONE that works on my carrier that day. (i.e. I would also carry a mobile hotspot)

  • Mohammad

    I wouldn’t like that.

  • Zeke the Plumber

    Google stealing more ideas, Skype.

    • me

      how are they stealing? They bought their competitor a few years ago when Skype’s purchase deal with them didn’t work out.

    • Barry S

      Except the “sucks” part, Skype has a patent on that.

  • Erick

    My home phone is actually a Google Voice number on a PAP2 through a Gizmo5 account with sipsorcery. Of course, you need to already have a Gizmo5 account.

    Using sipdroid on my EVO (and again using sipsorcery), I make and receive calls to my Google Voice number over 3g. Quality has been surprisingly good.

    This new feature might be good for those needing a desktop client who don’t already have Gizmo5.

  • Kar

    Looking forward for this. An article on Life Hacker explains how to make call with GV with sipgate but I welcome the native function.

  • Dara

    I’m so glad that I (Canadian) got a Gizmo5 account before Google bought the company. I’m just waiting for either Gizmo5 to work better than Truphone or for Google to do something useful (to me) with Voice.

  • patrick

    I love ho people are already complaining about a yet to be released free service. And if you read the article and if you have used any google products lately you might deduce that google will integrate this fairly well. Relax

  • DaveM

    So basically you can get unlimited minutes with your cell phone? Carriers are going to be pissed.

    • Bob

      And you don’t even need to use their network, if you have WiFi available at the time.

  • Brainfarth

    I thought something was wrong with my install… It’s not out yet!

  • Max

    anyone get this working for Ubuntu 10.04?? I can’t get it to work!!

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