Google has quietly launched a website "Google Helpouts," a live video chat service for people who are on the lookout for any kind of help.
Google has not officially announced the launch of its new video chat helpline service but has secretly launched the website, "Helpouts." People around the world can sign up to offer or receive help and providers can also charge for each chat session based on minutes or on the whole.
The Google Helpouts website is not completely accessible but the "Help Center" gives an idea of how the site will function once it goes live. The web giant explains the new service as a platform to share knowledge and expertise on a particular subject, which can be helpful to others. Help providers can schedule a session with help seekers.
Helpouts is linked with Google+, hence it is mandatory for users to have a Google+ account to avail the service. Helpouts is supported on PC, smartphones and tablets. As of now, the website asks for an invitation code to create Helpouts listings and new visitors are advised to update contact information for future outreach.
As the service offers both paid and free service, depending on providers' choice, the payment system is handled by Google Wallet.
Google has given detailed instructions for creating Helpouts on its support page. Providers can select the category under which their services will be listed. The listing categories include Home & Garden, Computers & Electronics, Health & Counseling, Nutrition & Fitness, Fashion & Beauty, Art & Music, Cooking and Education.
Google charges a 20 percent platform fees for users who choose to offer paid help.
