Google Video and Voice Chat

Google just released new features into their Gchat programs.

You now can download a small update, which enables video and voice chat over gmail. These features will soon be added into gchat itself.

Interesting how google, a search company, has expanded to compete with several big players in very different industries.

On the left the original product, on the right the google competitor.

MapQuest – google Maps

Firefox, IE – Chrome

Skype/AIM – Video Voice/Google Talk/gChat

Hotmail – Gmail

Microsoft Office – Google Docs

iphone/Windows Mobile – Android/Gphone

Is google stretching itself too thin? Most of their products are amazing, and competition always leads to better products and experiences for the user. Do you have any uneasiness about one company influencing so many aspects of your technology? It would be very easy to gather data about all your usage if you use all their products and know A LOT about you. Word just came out yesterday that they report flu related searches to the government to try and track epidemics!