Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) already helps you answer queries by finding the most relevant results, but now the company wants to move a step further by helping you with your queries over a live video. The company wants to give the ‘human touch’ to its users.
Google on Tuesday announced Helpouts
Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) on Tuesday announced Helpouts, a new tool that will connect users via live video chat with experts who can help them with their queries on that particular topic. The questions can be related to a variety of topics, including education, cooking, fashion, beauty, health, home and garden and more.
Google says that Helpouts is a “new way to get and give help over live video.” So far, Google has invited 1000 companies to participate, and currently plans to make it “invitation only.” Partner providers at this time are: Sephora, One Medical, Weight Watchers, Redbeacon, and Rosetta Stone.
Vendors can set their own prices. They can charge either by minute or per session, but the company also plans to keep some Helpout services free. Google takes 20% for each transaction, but gives a 100% money back guarantee if you’re not satisfied. Helpouts also has a feedback feature where providers can be rated and reviews can be left.
Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG), in a blog post says:
With Helpouts, you can choose who you get help from based on their qualifications, their availability, their price, their ratings and reviews. You can connect instantly or book in advance. You can get help from individuals or from brands you already know and trust.
Once you’re in a Helpout, you can do more than just talk—you can share your computer screen, collaboratively edit a presentation, or record your Helpout.
Overall, it can be said that Helpouts, as the name suggests, is focused on ease-of-use on the consumer end. Help comes in the form of live video conferencing, as Google wants to break all barriers in getting expert help for people. A personal, one-on-one session will greatly help users solve their problems.
Users of Helpouts need to be at least 13 years old, and providers need to be at least 18 years old.
Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) Helpouts is available on the web, and on your Android smartphone or tablet running on Android 4.0.3 or above. Right now there’s no indication of an iOS app.
