Google introduces Helpouts to put people in touch with experts

After rumours circulating about Google building a video platform to buy and sell services, the company has confirmed that it is testing a product called Helpouts. The service will connect people who need help with those who can offer it over video. Helpouts, which is still in the early stages of testing, will be tied-in closely with Google+ and will work in a way similar to Google Hangouts.

Helpouts will feature a face-to-face video service that will be available on all platforms running Google+. The service will help users who are prolific in various topics like gardening, health and fashion to get in touch with users who would like to learn more about this.

Connect with experts in real-time

The support page currently lists out eight categories one can sign-up under: Home & Garden, Computers & Electronics, Health & Counseling, Nutrition & Fitness, Fashion & Beauty, Art & Music, Cooking and Education. This is all great, but what does Google stand to gain from this service? Google will let you charge by the minute, by the session or give your expertise away for free on Helpouts. The company will be taking a flat cut of 20 percent for all the payment, ranking, scheduling and connecting with customers for paid sessions.

This is serious business for Google, it appears. If you’re only an enthusiast who knows lightly about a topic, you might want to think twice before applying. When you try to create your profile on Helpouts, Google will ask you to submit all your certificates as far as your qualifications and experience goes. If you’re offering medical expertise, rest assured Google will get third parties to check your papers out.

The feature was first spoken about after the "Breakfast with Sundar" event concluded last month. Techcrunch spoke in length about this service that could put merchants in touch with consumers. Google has a slightly different take on this and claims that Hangouts will be more like experts selling their knowledge over video.

The idea, while not completely new, seems like a novel one for Google. The company has the infrastructure of Google Hangouts backing Helpouts, and it could be a great new way of how experts interact with audiences. No official date for Helpouts has been announced yet, but Google seems to be working at a breakneck speed to gather experts under its banner already.

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DoT introduces new guidelines for 4G mobile telephony

The Department of Telecommunication has introduced a list of new guidelines that will allow 4G players to offer mobile telephony. This piece of news will allow Internet Service providers (ISP) that hold 4G licenses to offer voice telephony along with high speed Internet. Companies like Reliance Jio Infocomm, Augere and Tikona, won BWA spectrum during the auctions, can now offer mobile telephony service by paying an extra amount of Rs 1,658.57 crore.

DoT introduces new guidelines for 4G

It is also good news for consumers as there have been speculations that the cancellation of telecom licences would lead to decrease in competition and eventually increase in voice tariffs among the remaining players. In fact, as DoT is now allowing 4G players to enter the voice segment, there is a possibility that the rates may be decreased.

According to the new guideline introduced by DoT: “Entry fee applicable to migration to Unified License shall be equal to entry fee for new Unified License except for Internet Service Provider with BWA spectrum. For migration of ISP with BWA spectrum to UL regime with authorisation of providing access services, which enables it to provide mobile voice services also using BWA spectrum, an additional fee equal to the difference between the entry fee for UASL as per details in Annexure V and entry fee paid for ISP license shall be payable in addition to the entry fee as applicable for new UL.”

This means companies with 4G wireless broadband spectrum and an ISP license can pay the additional amount of Rs 1,658.57 crore, excluding fees payable for unified licences for pan India. Among the companies that won 4G spectrum, Airtel and Aircel already offer mobile services. Moreover, Reliance is said to bring 4G services by the end of the year.

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