Google Talk Released

[icebox12]

Hello there,

Google Talk has been released it's currently going through a beta stage, so not many features are currently offered. However, not to fear the current project they have is fantastic. Eventhough it's rather basic it's still something we can look forward to in the near future. I know what most of you are thinking, so a small FAQ has been built up and displayed below:

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What is Google Talk?

Google Talk is a simple and free way to talk with and send instant messages to your friends. Like Gmail, Google Talk uses Google's innovative technologies to help people communicate more effectively and efficiently. Think of it as Google's approach to communications. Google Talk is easy and intuitive to use. All you need to make free calls is an Internet connection, a microphone, and a speaker. After you download Google Talk, sign in with your Gmail username and password. Invite your friends to download Google Talk, and once they do, you'll be able to talk or IM with them instantly.

What does Google Talk do?

Google Talk is a downloadable Windows application that enables users to quickly and easily talk or send instant messages to their friends for free. Calls are made through your computer using the latest voice technology; all you need is an Internet connection, a microphone and a speaker. If you don't have a speaker or built-in microphone, you may want to consider buying a headset, which will also provide the best voice quality when using Google Talk.

Who and where can I call? How long can I talk for? Is it really free?

Once your friends download Google Talk, you can talk to them anytime they're online. They can be anywhere in the world, and you can talk for as long as you want.

Oh yes, and it's free.

Why should I use Google Talk?

Google Talk is a great way to communicate with your friends without having to leave your computer. Ever just need to ask someone a quick question? Has planning for something over email gotten too complicated? Now you can get in touch with someone instantly without having to reach for the phone. You don't even need to reach for another address book. Your Gmail contacts are pre-loaded into Google Talk, so you can email, IM or talk to your friends with just a few clicks.

Google Talk is simple and intuitive to use. There's no clutter, no pop-ups, no unnecessary software to install. And we think you'll like the Google Talk voice quality. In fact, we think you'll like it a lot; it's like your friend is sitting right next to you (and your voice will sound a lot better than it does on answering machines).

How many people can I invite to Google Talk?

You can invite an unlimited number of Gmail users to download Google Talk and get added to your Friends list. If you invite someone who doesn't already have Gmail, we'll include an invitation to that as well, since they'll need a Gmail username and password to use Google Talk. The number of non-Gmail users you can invite at any one time is determined by the number of Gmail invitations you have left in your account, which you can see on the invite screen. We try to make sure users have lots of Gmail invitations to give out, but if you run out, please be patient. Normally, users get more Gmail invitations within a day or two.

How does Google Talk work with Gmail?

To use Google Talk, you must sign in with your Gmail username and password. If you don't have Gmail, you can get a free account using your mobile phone (US only for now).

Your Gmail contacts are pre-loaded and the people you communicate with most often will show up in your Google Talk Friends list. You can go to your Gmail Inbox from the Google Talk interface, and you can even email your contacts directly using your Gmail account. Google Talk also does everything the Gmail Notifier used to do, and can show notifications for new messages in your Gmail account, as well as for incoming calls or chats.

When you invite a friend who doesn't already have a Gmail account to try Google Talk, he or she will also receive a Gmail invitation.

What system requirements do I need to use Google Talk?

To use Google Talk, you need Windows 2000, Windows XP (Home & Pro), or Windows Server 2003. You'll also need a minimum 56k dial up connection, but a broadband connection is recommended. To make voice calls, you'll need a microphone and speakers (for optimal voice quality, we recommend using a headset). Google Talk works with any computer speaker and microphone, such as the ones built into many PC laptops today, as well as with wired and wireless headsets and USB phones. We've created a list of recommended accessories for the best Google Talk experience.

The downloadable Google Talk client is not compatible with Macintosh or Linux systems at this time. We look forward to offering support for more operating systems in the future.

Google Talk also supports standards-based communication clients, which means that Gmail users can access the Google Talk service and exchange instant messages using other clients that support the standard XMPP protocol, such as Trillian, GAIM, iChat, Adium, and Psi. This allows users to access the Google Talk service for instant messaging from all major platforms, including OSX, Linux, and Windows.

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Thats only a small amount of FAQ's there are a lot more, but do not worry you wont get that confused about the new software. So if you wish to download Google Talk simple click the URL displayed below:

http://www.google.com/talk/index.html

Remember, you will need to have a Gmail account to be able to use this software. To obtain your very own Gmail account you will need to be invited by an excisting Gmail representitive (member).

[Dazeh]

Sounds Like Skype, Except i've Seen the Beta Version and it Seems much better.

[Tom H]

Hi guys

Its great

If you would like to be invited PM me as i am a member

Thanks

Tom

[Dupion]

I think I'll just stick to msn

[Rebuild]

I think I'll just stick to msn

[ross]

I think I'll just stick to msn

[Tommy]

Its actually pretty much like the first version of msn, in 5 years time it will be just as succesfull.

[icebox12]

Dudes don't spam

But, yeh I know MSN is good and all but I use a variety of messaging services to keep in contact with as many people as possible. So it's not that bad. :eusa_ange

[ilovejordan]

I think I'll just stick to msn

[[N]]

I think I'll just stick to msn