Here’s a fun-filled, money-saving factoid I was only vaguely aware of until yesterday: if you’re in the U.S. and a Gmail user, you can make free phone calls through your PC or Mac to any domestic cell phone or landline. As always, though, there are a few ifs, ands, and buts.
Google has actually launched voice calling to landlines and mobile phones though Gmail for a couple of years now—and indeed, just last month, it extended its offer of free calls to the U.S. and Canada through 2012. To get started, just click here.
Personally, though, I’d never really bothered trying voice calls in Gmail until yesterday, after my wife and I a) finally had enough of yelling “Can you here me now?” on our tempermental AT&T iPhones and b) we both ran out of pre-paid Skype minutes. My wife’s Google-savvy boss suggested she try calling him through Gmail and, well, here we are.
So, free domestic calls, really? Yes, really, but like I said, there are a few things to keep in mind, starting with…
Only U.S. Gmail users can make free calls
…and then only to U.S. and Canadian phone numbers. If you’re an international Gmail users, well … sorry, folks.
Domestic calls over Gmail are free through the end of 2012 only
Beyond that, no guarantees. Google first began offering free voice calls through Gmail back in 2010; since then, it’s extended the generous offer twice, most recently last month. Will Google keep footing the bill for Gmail voice calls in 2013, or will the party be over in a year’s time? Good question.
If you want to make international calls with the Gmail dialer, you’ll have to pay up
Rates range from two cents a minute (for countries like France, Germany, and the U.K.) to $6.90 a minute (if you’re calling someone’s satellite phone). You can check the complete list of international Gmail calling rates here.
You can’t make emergency 911 calls through Gmail
Nor can you add another party during a call. So no, Gmail calling isn’t really a replacement for a landline.
You must make your free calls through the Gmail interface on your computer
That means using your system’s speaker and microphone. Here’s a tip: consider using a headset, like the one that comes with your iPhone or Android phone; otherwise, callers will get an earful if you’re talking and typing at the same time.
You might have to install a browser plug-in
I was able to start making calls through Gmail right away using Google’s Chrome browser on my PC and Mac; on Internet Explorer 9, however, I had to install a small browser plug-in before dialing. The good news, though, is that the installation process is relatively short and painless, and Gmail will hold your hand through the whole thing.
Had enough of the catches? Then here’s a few tips:
Get a phone number through Google Voice so your callers know who’s calling
Want a fixed Gmail number so your callers see your name on Caller ID? If you haven’t already, sign up for a number on Google Voice, Google’s clever universal number service that powers phone calls through Gmail. Getting a number through Google Voice is free—and if you’re game, you can set up your Google Voice account to transfer calls to any of your various home, office, or mobile numbers.
Click a number to dial
If you need to call someone who sent an email to your Gmail account, look for their phone number in the body of the message and click it; the Gmail phone dialer should pop-up automatically, complete with the number you just clicked. All you have to do is click the blue “Call” button to start chatting.
Type in a name
Calling someone who’s listed in your Gmail contacts? Just type their name into the dialer to pull up their number.
Get your call history
See that little clock face that’s right above the “Search or dial” box? Click it to see a log of everyone you’ve ever called through Gmail, along with anyone who’s called you. You can also click “Save” to add a new number as a contact or “Redial” to call the number back.
Have more questions about voice calls through Gmail? Let me know!
Image credit: The Official Gmail Blog
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