Remember back in April when I posted an article claiming that Google is going after Skype with Google Voice for the Desktop ? Well we are getting closer and closer…

Google tests a new feature that makes Gmail chat more useful: users are able to make and receive Google Voice calls from Gmail. A new phone icon opens a Gmail chat window with a dialpad, an option to find contacts, a credit balance and a call button.

Right now, if you want to call someone using Google Voice, you need a phone. You can either visit Google Phone’s site on your computer, enter the phone number you want to call and wait until Google calls your phone and connects you for free or use Google Phone app on a mobile phone.

The new feature will allow users to make voice calls over the Internet and it’s likely that it won’t be limited to Gmail.

For now, Google Voice’s integration with Gmail is not publicly available.