Gmail launches voice, video chat

Google has just launched browser-based voice and video chat as a natural extension to webmail and instant messaging, allowing people to choose how they want to communicate at each moment - by email, instant message, voice, or video. The launch comes as video communication grows in popularity; many of the latest lines of laptops, for example, come with built-in webcams. The feature is being rolled out over the next day or so on PCs and on Macs. Google Apps customers get this service as well, at no extra charge, and can video chat with any other Gmail or Apps users.