Google Helpouts, a new video-based ecommerce platform, was spotted in the wild last month, and now Google has a landing page that anyone can access, and request an invite to the service, as well as a series of help documents related to the service.

You can’t actually use Helpouts right now, but you can learn about it, and try to get involved with it. Google says while it’s not available yet, it’s inviting people with expertise across a number of topics to be able to offer Helpouts when the product goes live. When that will be remains to be seen.

This is Google’s official description for Helpouts:

Ever wanted to share cooking recipes, speak a new language, or provide health tips? Helpouts allows you to share your passion, expertise, and more through live video, right from your computer or mobile device!

If you’re a professional or an expert in a particular area, share your knowledge with people who want to learn from you by giving a Helpout. Scheduling is simple and handled right from Helpouts. You can allow customers to schedule a session based on your availability. Since Helpouts are hosted via Hangouts video calls, you’re not tied to an office and you can connect with people around the world.

You have to have a Google+ account to use Helpouts. Profile info is auto-completed based on your Google+ profile.

“The Helpouts platform is different from Hangouts because Helpouts takes care of all of the setup and maintenance associated with delivering your services – from payment, to scheduling, reputation management, and customer acquisition,” Google says.

Google is offering the following categories as options for those who want to offer Helpouts: Arts & Music, Computers & Electronics, Cooking, Education, Fashion & Beauty, Fitness & Nutrition, Health & Counseling, Home & Garden and Other.

There’s a 150-minute check-in in video calls to make sure participants are still there.

Providers can offer Helpouts for free or charge if they want to. Google Wallet is required for any payment, and a 20% platform fee is applied to paid Helpouts.

[via TechCrunch, Image: TechCrunch]