Google is finally addressing the issue faced by Gmail users who switched from Google Talk to Hangouts after they found out Hangout can’t make voice calls.
“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.
The Voice calling facility is now being added in Hangout an is much improved than before with 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.
A call, can be made by just clicking the phone icon in Gmail, and the “Call a phone” menu item in Google+ and the Chrome extension. For those who haven’t laid hands on Hangouts, click on their profile photo in the chat list, and select “Try the new Hangouts.”