Google Talk’s Features and Advantages

Google Talk is a free instant messaging and VoIP (voice over internet protocol) application, released in beta, or testing, version in August 2005. It’s Google’s enhanced IM service that adds not only VoIP, but notifications, file sharing and other features. It enables voice conversations with others online who have Google Talk. Voicemail is offered for those not available or offline, allowing for messages up to 10 minutes long, delivered via email as an attached MP3 file.

Google Talk can only be used with Windows (XP, 2000, Vista, Windows 7 and Server 2003). Mobile service is available for iPhone, Blackberry and T-Mobile G1. Platforms supported by Adobe Flash Player can use the service with the Google Talk gadget. It is possible to do voice and video chat between Google Talk and Gmail users on some systems with a Gmail plug-in. It is also integrated with Orkut, enabling Google talk users to send and receive “scraps” with registered Orkut users.

Google Talk offers unlimited file transfers with no file size or bandwidth restrictions. Offline messaging allows for messages to be sent to a recipient who is offline who is notified of new messages in the Gmail inbox. Conversations are automatically logged and saved to allow users to store and search chat logs.

Some privacy concerns have been expressed about the service. Anyone who has a Google Talk member on a buddy list can see when the user is active or not active on their computer. Third-party software products, such as AlwaysIdle, Adium, Pidgin and Trillia, are now offered to give users more control over their information. As of October 2008, Google Talk allows for blocking a user.