Google recently announced a new feature, called Google Helpouts. The service will allow users to ask questions and get live answers about just about anything you can imagine. The answers will be given by individuals or companies that have been approved by Google ahead of time. The specific price charged for the service will be decided by the individual or company that is providing the actual information, and 20% of the fee will go to Google.
This is certainly an interesting new addition to the Google lineup, and will provide opportunities for ‘experts’ in just about any field to make some good money (if the service ends up being popular). The service will launch with the following eight categories:
- Art and Music
- Computers and Electronics
- Cooking
- Education and Careers
- Fashion and Beauty
- Fitness and Nutrition
- Health
- Home and Garden
Additional categories (and likely sub-categories) will be added over time as the service gains popularity. Users will be able to ask advice and schedule a time when an expert can help them. It could be anything from asking a computer programmer how to fix a problem with your website, asking a contractor how to replace a window or asking a doctor about a health concern. There really are very few limitations on what you can get help with, which gives this service some huge potential.
Google said the following about this new program:
Today is just the beginning. We’re starting small and in a few categories. The number of people giving help on Helpouts and the type of help available will grow over time. Helpouts may not be suitable for every occasion, and it will take time to get used to interactions via real time video. We hope that the efficiency, convenience and global reach of Helpouts will make people’s lives easier in the long term.
At launch, some major contributors will be Sephoria, Weight Watchers, Red Beacon, Rosetta Stone and one Medical. Additional individuals will be participating as well, and more companies are working with Google to get involved in the future.
You can read more about the service from Google HERE.
What do you think about this new service? Is it a little gimmicky, or will it help people get the information they need in a much more personal way? Please, comment below.
