Google has added a service to Google Hangouts that may provide new revenue opportunities to individuals and small businesses (or even big ones). Earlier this week, the company announced Google Helpouts, a service that will allow individuals to connect for paid advice from experts, teachers or other types of consultants.

Quote from Google Engineering VP, Udi Manber:

What if getting help for a computer glitch, a leaky pipe, or a homework problem was as easy as clicking a button? What if you could connect via real-time video to a music teacher or a yoga instructor from the comfort of your home? Today, we’re announcing Helpouts—a new way to get and give help over live video. Our goal is simple: Help people help each other. With Helpouts, you can choose who you get help from based on their qualifications, their availability, their price, their ratings and reviews. You can connect instantly or book in advance. You can get help from individuals or from brands you already know and trust.

Here is a video Google is using to introduce the service:

Read Google Engineering VP, Udi Manber’s full blogpost: Introducing Helpouts, help when you need it over live video (Google Blog)