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Google Talk
by Google
Messenger
Google Talk is a Windows application for Voice over IP and instant messaging, offered by Google. The first beta version of the program was released on 24th August, 2005.

Instant messaging between the Google Talk servers and its clients uses an open protocol, XMPP, allowing users of other XMPP clients to communicate with Google Talk users. VoIP in Google Talk is based around the Jingle protocol. The technology used within the Google server network however is not publicly known.

The Google Talk client is currently only available for Windows (2000, XP, Server 2003, and Vista). With the release of the Google Talk gadget, users of all platforms supported by Adobe Flash Player can also use Google Talk[1]. Many other XMPP clients are compatible with Google Talk, and support a variety of other platforms



 

Google Talk, Google's long-expected entry into the IM and VoIP market, has arrived. As predicted, Google Talk is a full-fledged IM client based on the open Jabber protocol with VoIP thrown in for good measure. The Google Talk web site has gone live and you can now Download Google Talk for Windows.


Here is a quick run-down of what Google Talk has to offer: Basic IM capabilities, high-quality and easy to use VoIP, complete integration with Gmail, and a simple, ads-free interface. Read on for our preliminary review and a glimpse into Google Talk's future.

The download file is tiny with 900k size and the install is so quick and easy you don't even realize it's finished yet. You sign in with your Gmail account and are immediately presented with your momentarily empty buddy list. There's an Add Friend button, a "Search all contacts" field which searches both your Google Talk and Gmail contacts, and a drop-down under your name that lets you set your available/unavailable status and messages.

Updates : Google reports that they are working on adding new features such as supporting SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) in a future release, which would broaden the user base for the program.