Google has added a new tool to the arsenal. Gmail has included text chat for some time, but now you can also use your gmail account for video/audio chat.
If you are a Mac user, this feature only works with Intel machines running 10.4 or higher. Use Firefox. I am less certain regarding the requirements for the Windows OS. MacBooks with the built-in camera work well.
If you are interested in experimenting, the plugin can be downloaded now.
This is a basic product at this point. Google has the advantage of being able to integrate it with the popular mail service. I like the option of being able to record a video/audio conversation, but there are several other ways to do this and this option may eventually come to Gmail.
Annoucement from the Gmail blog.
