British Telecom used to have the slogan "
It's good to talk", but if Google's latest figures are anything to go by the US loves to even more.
In the first 24 hours since Google launched its
click to call computer to phone telephony add-on to Google Voice, it has already exceeded expectations.
"Over 1,000,000 calls placed from Gmail in the first 24 hours!", the firm tweeted.
"Thanks to everyone using this new feature."
However Google gave no hint as to the type of calls made, and Sleuth suspects that the vast majority were used for free local calls. The US has a long tradition of free local calling.
What is going to be crucial is how many people use the international calls that Google hopes will subsidise the service. Google has cut rates to the bone and needs a large volume of calls to make money from the service.
If this strategy is to have long term success then Google needs to win over not only existing internet telephony users from Skype and others, but also to appeal to first time users.
Getting the support of Google's business apps services will also be crucial, but that may be an easier sell. Overseas calling rates are sky high in the US, and a chance for a cheap alternative could be very attractive.
27 Aug 2010
