A video hangouts stand is pictured at the new headquarters of Google France (Photo : Reuters/Jacques Brinon/Poo)
Google has been experimenting with its Google Hangouts platform recently to provide video tech support for potential buyers of its hardware products. The instant messaging and video chat platform could potentially rival Apple's Genius Bar.
A new report has surfaced saying Google is currently doing a limited trial run with its Hangouts infrastructure. According to Tech Crunch, Google is in the process of developing a new service out of Hangouts.
Right now, the tech giant is using Google Hangouts as a live video chat service or video tech support for people who are interested in its smartphones, tablets and Chromebooks. These would-be buyers can ask Google Device Experts their questions as well as chat about the products with these video tech support guys before they buy anything.
Ingrid Lunden of TechCrunch tried out the service. In her test call, the woman on the other side answered immediately and knew she was calling from the United Kingdom.
The tech support lady was happy to answer her questions and did not seem disappointed when she revealed she was a journalist trying out the service, says Lunden. Load the Game agrees that the overall experience "seems fun and helpful."
When asked about the project, a Google spokesperson responded with the usual answer, which is to improve features to help users. But he added: "We're in a limited trial of an experimental support feature and gathering feedback, so we aren't ready to share full plans yet."
The project had a quiet start in November 2014, according to TechCrunch's sources. The site adds that Google plans to make the service available as both virtual and physical outlets.
The source described the project as "Google's virtual Genius Bar." The Genius Bar is Apple's in-store tech support for its products.
IT solutions provider Milestone Technologies helps the Google run its Expert Devices. The same company also provides Apple, Cisco and Palo Alto Networks various services including IT support.
