Google is starting to utilize video chat to persuade potential new customers to purchase Google smartphones, tablets and Chromebooks. Rumored to have been in testing since November, Google wants to expand its video chat from its original Helpouts infrastructure.
Back in 2013, Google created a video conferencing platform called Helpouts, expanding of off the existing Google Hangouts feature. Helpouts is a platform where users can buy or sell advice through live video chats. Google’s current video support is free, and focuses only on Google smartphones, tablets and Chromebooks- it does not cover all technical support. But according to TechCrunch, Google is looking to take the idea even further.
“They are also planning to go into retail stores with a virtual help desk to enhance the shopping experience,” an unnamed source told TechCrunch, who described the bigger project as “Google’s virtual Genius Bar”.
The Genius Bar at Apple stores provides hands on- technical support from experts in all things Apple. A virtual Genius Bar could be a serious game changer for those leaning towards Google Products. Video conferencing support would eliminate the need for customers to leave the comfort of their homes for technical support.
Currently, this new video feature is only live from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. pacific time. To access the feature, users have to click on a product they may be interested in, like Android Wear. From there, users select the help icon in the upper right hand corner, and will be promoted with the option of a video chat. As for when the video conferencing services will be finalized and expand to other areas, Google doesn’t have an answer.
"We're always improving features to help our users," Google told TechCrunch "We're in a limited trial of an experimental support feature and gathering feedback, so we aren't ready to share full plans yet."
Edited by
Maurice Nagle
