Google Introduces New Service, Streamlining Virtual Mentorship Processes
The digital realm has transformed into a one-stop-stop for health and fitness knowledge. Yet, for those critical "am I doing this right?" queries, there's merit in having a live coach. Enter Google's innovative solution – Helpouts. This service enables users to pay for personalized, video-chat consultations with experts, addressing topics ranging from cooking a Thanksgiving turkey to perfecting push-up form.
Curious users can access this wealth of knowledge on Google's platform or via an Android app. Prices and availability for these services are determined by the instructors themselves, who charge per minute, hour, or task. After a session, users have the opportunity to rate their experience, allowing future clients to make informed decisions.
Google is welcoming a diverse pool of instructors to the Helpouts platform on a case-by-case basis. Currently, there are over 1,000 instructors, with a significant percentage specializing in health, fitness, and nutrition. It's unclear if Helpouts will disrupt existing platforms for health and fitness instructional videos, but Google's extensive reach, specifically through YouTube, may provide them with a competitive edge.
Google debuted Helpouts online and through its mobile app on November 5th, 2013. Although the service was shut down in April 2015 due to minimal usage and high operating costs, it sparked intrigue and attracted a loyal customer base during its active period.
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Credit: Google Helpouts
[Enrichment Data]Google Helpouts, launched in November 2013, provided users with the opportunity to connect with experts for real-time, video-chat consultations. The pricing structure varied based on the service provider, with experts establishing their rates and users paying per session. Rates typically ranged from $10 to $100 or more, depending on expertise and duration.
The reception to Google Helpouts was mixed, with some users appreciating its convenience and others finding it expensive and unreliable. In addition to these criticisms, the service was also criticized for its lack of integration with other Google services and its limited availability of experts in certain fields.
Although Google Helpouts was discontinued in April 2015, its innovative approach to expert advice in various fields still paves the way for future digital services.
In the realm of fitness and wellness, Helpouts offered users the chance to refine their yoga poses with live guidance from expert instructors. For individuals looking to improve their cooking skills, especially during special occasions like Thanksgiving, Helpouts provided tips and tutorials via video chat. Additionally, those interested in weight management could seek advice and guidance from certified fitness instructors on the platform.
