Report: Google tests live chat within search results

Mountain View, Calif. – Google is reportedly testing the inclusion of live chat with businesses linked directly within search results. According to TechCrunch, a search results card will show consumers whether a business they have search for is available for chat, and then immediately launch a Google Hangouts chat if help is in fact available.



The search results card also displays information such as ratings and reviews, address, phone number, map location and price point. Google also provides an estimated time of response to customer inquiries. Google is currently piloting the service, and it is not certain whether the company plans to expand the pilot or will ever put it into general rollout.