Google is introducing new tools that will convert its free email service into a video and audio channel.

Gmail punters will need a free piece of software and a Webcam and then will be given the option to see and hear each other without leaving the email application. It will only work if both participants have Gmail accounts and Windows or Macs. Linux users will have to type, still.

Gmail is not the most popular email account.  It has 113 million worldwide users.  Microsoft's email services boasted 283 million worldwide users, while Yahoo was a close second at 274 million.

Google has also modified Google Reader for setting up RSS feeds from favourite websites, to feature automatic translation of content into users' chosen languages.