Is Google Talk a Skype killer?
I don't think so, I have been using Skype for several years, and I will continue to do so. Skype has the best sound and video quality in the market for a non-dedicated network.
Skype is mostly used by business people all over the world to communicate, share files, make online presentations, etc. and it is the core support of many applications to facilitate virtual meetings.
But Google has made a significant step to grab a piece of the pie in Unified Communications. Two months ago I wrote an article about Google Voice being available to everyone, for free.
Google Voice allows you to get an unique phone number for all your communications. It can be a local number in any area code in the US, and you can forward the number to all your phones (home, office, cell, etc.). Setting up some rules allow you to block certain calls, divert the call to only a phone depending on the caller, etc.. Also allows to send and receive text messages (SMS) to any US cell phone number for free.
Google Talk has been available on Gmail for a while, but only as a way of communication with other Gmail users. Now a call button is incorporated in Gmail for the users of Google Talk: You can call from your computer (a microphone and speakers are required), to anyone in the US and Canada for free. Google also offers cheap calls to foreign countries, and believes the revenue from those calls will offset the cost of the free US calls.
You don't need to setup Google Voice to use the free Google Talk calls, but if you have a Google Voice number it will show up as your CallerID when you make a phone call. If you import your contacts to Gmail you can just type the name on the call box and the number will be selected.
One advantage is the possibility to call the US from another country for free if you use Gmail.
I tested the system today and the quality is great. I still prefer Skype as my primary communication software but I believe a lot of Gmail users will be happy to try the new service.
Google only promises free service in the US to the end of the year, but I believe that will be extended.
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