Google Testing Live Chat Feature That Connects Users With Businesses

While earlier this month we heard Google was testing video chat expert advice for Google device buyers via Hangouts, it is now said to be testing a new feature using the same platform letting users chat directly with businesses they search for.

A user has spotted a new "chat" feature on the Google Search result cards for businesses on mobile, clicking on which directly leads the user to a Hangout chat window with the particular business. Spotted first by user Matt Gibstein, the screenshots by him on Twitter shows the 'Chat' option in the search results along with the Hangouts window. TechCrunch cites a Google spokesperson to confirm the feature is currently being tested. It is not clear as to when the feature will be rolled out officially.

The Hangout window screenshot also shows a message stating 'Dizengoff [the business] typically responds within hours' suggesting that users might not want to chat here if they are in a hurry. Also, if the business starts responding more quickly to user queries via the particular feature, the message might change 'hours' to 'minutes'. It has been mentioned that this new service by Google resembles Path's 'Talk' feature that too lets users chat directly with the businesses.

Google earlier this month was seen testing its Hangouts-based video chat platform to potential customers of devices on Google Play. The search giant's service is for those users who are planning to buy those Google smartphones, tablets and Chromebooks listed on the Google Play store's Devices section, and need an expert's opinion before sealing the deal.