After multiple rumors and speculations, Google voice calls through Gmail have finally become official. Google today announced that Gmail users would now be able to make voice calls over the web and to landlines/cellphones. The voice calls within US and Canada would be free of charge. International calls to mobile phones would cost $0.02 onwards while landline call charges start at $0.19. Gmail users can buy prepaid calling credits through Google Checkout which would go live in coming weeks.
Outgoing calls can be made by pressing the call button in the corner of Gmail and then typing the number. Incoming calls pop-up as chat window in Gmail and simultaneously ring on Google-voice enabled phones. Calls can also be diverted to voice mailbox through a single tap on the phone screen.
Gmail voice calls is now active in US and will roll out in other parts of the world soon. As for the competition with Skype is concerned, within US Google gives free calling that is certainly a concern for Skype, however the lack of global footprint with Google calling is a +1 to Skype.
