Google’s at it again.
The Web search leader edged into Skype’s territory at on Tuesday with a feature that allows multitasking Gmail users to video chat, IM and email all at the same time.
Gmail and Google App subscribers can now gossip with friends or coworkers on a high-quality video screen and simultaneously instant message them in a Google Chat box. The video screen can be popped out of the chat box and moved around a user’s computer screen.
Check out this YouTube video with Google engineer Serge Lachapelle to see how it works. A team of Googlers in Seattle, Sweden and Silicon Valley collaborated on the new app, which is available for both PC and Mac users.
All you need is a webcam and this web browser plug-in to start chatting. And for those who don’t have a webcam, you’ll still be able to chat with friends by voice.
The video feature will help businesses get things done more efficiently (and cheaply, too) by allowing “face-to-face collaboration among employees” and also help “cut travel and IT expenses,” Google said Tuesday.
