Google to offer first minute free on international calls from Google Hangouts for rest of 2014

Google has announced that for the rest of the year Google Hangout users would be able to make free calls to international numbers, Ubergizmo reported.

However, subsequent minutes would be charged.

''For the rest of 2014, the first minute of most calls to 25 countries are free, and you'll be charged for each minute after. Calls where the first minute are free will say, ''First minute free'' on the call screen. If you don't see this message, you'll be charged for the first minute.''

According to commentators, the invitation pricing was to see if this was something users could see themselves using in the long term. It could be also used as an alternative way to contact friends and family to tell them to answer Skype calls, reply messages, or just to say hello.

But to get the free minutes users would need to take some steps listed on Google's support page.

Tech Tree reported that the service that launched recently was now available in a number of countries from which 25 had been selected for the free offer.

However, charges do apply for calls to a land line or a mobile phone with no Google Hangouts. Also since free calling applies only to the first minute of any one call, if users are connected to several parties at the same time it would be a good idea to keep track of those minutes.

A further catch was Google would decide whom to deliver those free first minutes too.

The lucky ones would see ''first minute free'' message showing up on their screen and if they don't, that was a clear indication charges were applicable from the very first minute.