Google continues to add new features to its Google+ social networking service. One of the most popular sections of Google+ is Hangouts, which people use to create group conference calls. Now Google+ Hangouts has added a new feature that should be popular with its PC users; the ability to make telephone calls to most every cell phone and landline.
As described on the Google+ post by team member Vincent Paquet, Hangout users can now click on the Invite button and then click on the “+telephone” link if they want to make a phone call. After typing in the phone number, the user hits "Add" and the conversation can begin.
There are a number of limitations to this new feature. Users can only call one number at a time in Hangouts. They can't receive any calls with the Hangouts phone feature. Finally, this appears to be just for PC owners only as the Google+ mobile apps don't have this new addition.
The good news is that phone calls from Hangout to the US and Canada are completely free. For international calls, Google offers up some cheap per minute rates. You can see the full list of countries and their phone rates on the Google Voice web site.
Image via Google
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