See and hear family and friends right inside Gmail

Google Voice and Video Chat can no longer be downloaded. Take a look at the new Hangouts instead.

Google Talk has finally taken the last step in its evolution from being a minimalist IM client to a complete communications tool, transforming it into Google Voice and Video Chat.

How it works

Google Voice and Video Chat enables you to hold video-conferences with family and friends right on Gmail’s interface, just like regular text chats. Google Voice and Video Chat’s video window appears on the right side and although you can’t move it, there’s always the option to pop it out and place it anywhere you like.

Sound and image quality

Google Voice and Video Chat has an astounding quality both in image and sound. Video streaming runs very smoothly and sound is just crisp and clear. Besides there are no complicated configuration settings required, so you’ll probably be able to have it set up and running in two minutes.

Requirements

Being a Google Talk plug-in, you obviously need a Gmail account in order to use Google Voice and Video Chat. Also, your contacts need the plug-in in order to be able to use video chats with them. Besides those two basic requirements, we can’t honestly think of any other con about it! Also bear in mind that if you want to start a Google + hangout, this is the plug-in you’ll need.

Google Talk has finally added the one featured it lacked: high-quality, responsive video chats!