1. Home
  2. Computing
  3. News

Forget WebMD, Google may let you video chat with a doctor while you search

By

google testing video chats with doctors header
Image used with permission by copyright holder
You know how it is. Feeling a little under the weather, you start Googling your symptoms to find out exactly what it is you’ve come down with. Before you know it, you’ve diagnosed yourself with a terminal illness, leaving you to wonder if you’ll make it to Christmas.

While jumping onto Google can of course be a useful way to gather more information on a particular ailment, some online searches can lead you the wrong way and leave you feeling more worried than when you started.

Recommended Videos

Aware that so many people use its search engine in an effort to identify a health condition, Google is currently testing a video-based service that puts you in touch with a doctor, Engadget reported over the weekend.

The service would apparently operate through Google Helpouts, the Mountain View company’s online platform that connects users to experts across a range of fields.

While we haven’t heard a great deal about the platform since it launched last year, it was revealed just a couple of days ago that the Web giant is apparently gearing up to push Helpouts to a wider audience by integrating its range of services with regular search results.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Google confirmed to Engadget that it is indeed working on a doctor-supported video service for Web users in need of expert medical advice.

A search card (shown right) obtained by the site reveals a message that reads: “Talk with a doctor now.,” with a little video camera icon beside it. The card, which will appear when Google detects you’re performing a symptom-related search,  shows another message suggesting that Google will pick up the tab for the online consultations, though it seems this will only be during the trial period.

All we really know for sure at the moment is that the feature is currently in a test phase. If a video service featuring trained physicians turns out to be a useful tool for helping worried Web users reach a more accurate diagnosis, Google will make it a permanent addition.

While the popularity of any such service will largely depend on how much Google charges for it, it could turn out to a great tool for those looking for quick and sound advice regarding a medical condition causing concern.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Trevor Mogg
Contributing Editor
Not so many moons ago, Trevor moved from one tea-loving island nation that drives on the left (Britain) to another (Japan)…
The HP Victus gaming PC with RTX 3060 has a $550 discount

Gamers don't need to spend more than $1,000 if they want to buy a new gaming PC because there are affordable options like the HP Victus 15L gaming desktop. From its original price of $1,400, you can get it for just $850 as HP has applied a $550 discount on this machine. However, you shouldn't delay your purchase because there's no assurance that the gaming PC will still be 39% off tomorrow. If you want to make sure that you get it for less than $1,000, you're going to have to complete the transaction for it within the day.

Buy Now

Read more
This 17-inch HP laptop is on sale for just $300 — but hurry!

If you want to buy a laptop with a relatively large screen, the good news is that you don't have to break the bank with your purchase because you can get the HP Laptop 17t for a very affordable $300. It's on sale from HP with a $200 discount on its original price of $500, but there's no telling how much time is remaining before this offer expires. We don't think it will stay available for long because laptop deals like this almost always get sold out quickly, so complete the transaction as soon as possible to make sure that you don't miss out on the savings.

Buy Now

Read more
What to do if your Intel CPU keeps crashing

Despite being among the best processors you can buy, some high-end Intel CPUs have faced a wave of instability over the past few months. Intel is investigating the problem, but the company and its motherboard partners have already worked toward some temporary fixes to improve stability on high-end Intel CPUs -- even if it comes at a performance cost.

Before getting into the fixes, keep in mind that they are temporary. Intel will release a statement on the instability soon, likely with more direct guidance on what affected users should do. In addition, the scope of the problem isn't clear -- if you're not experiencing issues, you shouldn't have anything to worry about.
Who's affected

Read more