Gmail – How to Change Status in Google Hangouts

As of 9-July-2013, you can now make calls from Gmail using the new Hangouts.

Making calls from Hangouts — in Gmail and across the web

For those of you who have taken the plunge and are using desktop Hangouts in Gmail, Google+, and the Chrome extension, we've heard loud and clear that you miss the ability to make calls from Gmail, so today, we're happy to announce it's back - and better than before! Even better: calls to the US and Canada are now free from all countries where Hangouts calling is available. And international rates remain super, super low.

Today's launch also improves the desktop calling experience in a number of ways. For example: you can add multiple phone numbers and video participants to the same call; and you can play sound effects (like applause or laughter) with the Google Effects app.

To make a call from Hangouts, just look for the new phone icon in Gmail, or for the new "Call a phone" menu item in Google+ and the Chrome extension. And of course: if you haven't yet tried Hangouts in Gmail, you can always click your profile photo in the chat list and select "Try the new Hangouts."

From Hangouts in Gmail - Hangouts Help

Turn on Hangouts in Gmail --- You can try the new Hangouts from the menu in Google Chat.

1. Open Hangouts in Gmail.
2. At the top of your Google Chat list, click your profile photo.
3. Click Try the new Hangouts.
4. Gmail will refresh, and you can start using Hangouts.