Google to launch instant messaging service [Archive]

Kefkataran

08-23-2005, 10:58 PM

In the "Bring on the goodness" category, Forbes (http://www.forbes.com/home/feeds/afx/2005/08/24/afx2189924.html) brings news that Google is to add an instant messaging program to its ever-growing list of internet features.

From the article:

Google's IM entry, which is expected to be launched today, comes nearly a decade after America Online first introduced instant messaging in 1997 and six years after MSN introduced its messaging client in 1999.

Google Talk, which allows users to chat and talk, is still in beta testing and is only available to subscribers of Google's Gmail e-mail service.
And you can grab it here (http://www.google.com/talk/).

Sign me up. How has a company as full of high quality, simple releases as Google not cracked under the weight yet? I hope this is as good as... well, everything else they do.

Bushido

08-23-2005, 11:55 PM

Check spelling on title post, Service <----with an I instead of an A. Mr period wants to party too!

Zeal

08-23-2005, 11:56 PM

I'm on it right now. Offers the clearest voice communication I've ever heard. Interface is simple and well designed. Very good.

Oh and yeah...service.

Jaded Fool

08-23-2005, 11:58 PM

I can't escape these guys!

My boss brought this to my attention because I work in the VoIP area, but my previous job was as a search engine marketer where I used Google AdWords quite a bit. No matter where I go, there's Google.

These guys really are going to take over the world one day, with their moon base and super powered energy drinks ;)

Tricky Thumb

08-23-2005, 11:59 PM

I knew this was coming.

Viva la Google!

EDIT: Holy crap it was programmed cleverly enough to ask if I'd like to uninstall Gmail notifier.

I freaking love Google.

Pirate Of Doom

08-24-2005, 12:00 AM

If its better then Skype, sign me up already.

Kefkataran

08-24-2005, 12:00 AM

Check spelling on title post, Service <----with an I instead of an A. Mr period wants to party too!

What a weird typo. Either way, fixed.

I'm on it right now. Offers the clearest voice communication I've ever heard. Interface is simple and well designed. Very good.

Got a download link? I couldn't find anywhere to d/l it, but if someone can provide me with a link I'll edit it into the entry.

Edit: or that was done for me. :)

bobbler

08-24-2005, 12:02 AM

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

Evil Avatar

08-24-2005, 12:23 AM

Edit: or that was done for me. :)

Say it with me one time... Who's your daddy?

Tricky Thumb

08-24-2005, 12:27 AM

We should trade gmail accounts and chat on Google Talk people!

MasterEvilAce

08-24-2005, 12:35 AM

Not better than skype, but definitely has the potential to be.
Currently it lacks a lot of features :P Obviously. but Google talk is DEFINITELY damn cool. I sent my friend a gmail invite, and google talk recognized that I had. He was instantly on my friends list. I opened a chat window with him, and he hadn't registered yet.. so i was waiting. He registered, and INSTANTLY the title bar on the chat window changed from his email address, to his real name. Very cool.

The voice quality is pretty good. sort of quiet compared to skype.. but the cpu usage is insane. like 3% cpu usage, max 6-7% while talking. Skype uses 10-40%.. it fluctuates.. and with a lot of people in a call, it easily rapes my CPU for my laptop, causing the laptop to get veryy hot.

Google Talk also loads instantly... the only downside is the name.. it's not very "hip" :P

Speaking of which, what's up with all these things being in BETA for extended periods of time?
news.google.com -> beta
gmail - > beta
maps.gmail.com -> beta (although understandable... somewhat)
ICQ -> beta.. has been for YEARSSSSS.

the list goes on. Stop milking the beta name!

DeadlyDonkey

08-24-2005, 12:42 AM

Speaking of which, what's up with all these things being in BETA for extended periods of time?
news.google.com -> beta
gmail - > beta
maps.gmail.com -> beta (although understandable... somewhat)
ICQ -> beta.. has been for YEARSSSSS.

the list goes on. Stop milking the beta name!

I think part of it might be because perhaps companies releasing the products haven't gone through much quality support, and don't want to be held responsible for potentially wrecking someone's computer, so they call it beta, and make it clear that "The user downloads this program at their own risk" etc etc.

It could also be being used as a marketing tool, for instance, somebody downloads the program and thinks "Wow, this is great! And it's still only in beta! Man, I'll have to keep an eye on updates to this!"

Google also mentioned their constant use of the Beta tag in their april fools joke, where they announced a range of Google nutritional products. I can't find the exact quote or the link at the moment (perhaps somebody could help), but it was something along the lines of "Yet another beta from Google that will probably stay in beta for another few years, even though the product us pretty much finished". At least, I think it was something like that.

Back on topic, I downloaded it, but the fact that none of my friends have downloaded it yet means I can't really test it :(

Liquidize105

08-24-2005, 12:58 AM

Google sure is expanding, and doing a great job at it!

What's next? A google winamp?

Say it with me one time... Who's your daddy?
Spoke too soon, daddio. Front page's still servace.

Better call Mr. Fix-it for this.

http://www.hulklibrary.com/hulk/images/corner/mr-fixit-asustado-1.gif

dead

08-24-2005, 12:58 AM

yeah cool, i like the interface and its simplicity. MSN has become too complicated and its covered in advertisements. Only problem is that you can only log in as a gmail user. You can't change your screen nick as well. bummer.

Oblivion

08-24-2005, 01:42 AM

goddamn no OSX support...

Vilderen

08-24-2005, 01:45 AM

Does anyone know if it's possible to create voicechat groups with multiple people, like in Skype?

Besides that it's great looking, simple program

saneman

08-24-2005, 02:10 AM

oblivion you can still use ichat's (or any other client that supports it: e.g. Adium) jabber support to connect. I'm doing that at the moment. Still looking to try out the voice chat and see if that works.

Jaded Fool

08-24-2005, 02:16 AM

They say voice chat only works on Google Talk atm. It uses a customised protocol they havn't released docs for.

They also say they're soon supporting SIP, so every man and his IM will be able to use voice chat :P

Bushido

08-24-2005, 02:30 AM

Thedeviluno@gmail.com
add me

Savok

08-24-2005, 02:32 AM

I think they use beta over and over because like every other program out there, there are bugs and it's never quite done. Only Google is honest about those facts.

Liquidize105

08-24-2005, 02:42 AM

Google Talk also loads instantly... the only downside is the name.. it's not very "hip" :P
You're right! It should be Google Talkathon :D

Xaerin

08-24-2005, 03:10 AM

Just call it GTalk. Like everything else. There. Instant "hip".

bobbler

08-24-2005, 03:12 AM

Being able to stream music instead of talking is the best thing about it -- I just hope they don't fix it somehow.

Currently, if you go into the options of the sound "recorder" settings (the volume levels) in windows you can select another recorder instead of microphone (like wave, for example) and then any wave source played will then proceed to be sent over the talk thing -- your very own streaming music. Of course you have compression so the music doesn't sound too hot (especially if you have speakers that aren't garbage), but its still fun.

Joshinji

08-24-2005, 03:36 AM

They truly are trying to take over everything internet.

Subbacultcha

08-24-2005, 03:57 AM

Yet more awesome, incredibly well written software... for free! Hooray for Google!

NoName

08-24-2005, 04:14 AM

After I got GTalk last night I decided I might as well try google desktop and just sell my soul to google. As google desktop opened for the first time, there was already a module there for GTalk. Google programs really like each other.

I would welcome our new google overlords, but I don't think their overloardship is new...

bapenguin

08-24-2005, 04:18 AM

Wow....talk about a nice clean interface. This is sweet....now if it could only integrate with AIM somehow..

man this is slick...someone IM me damn it. :)

TheEpicOfTyler

08-24-2005, 04:27 AM

It would be nice if this really took off, but for now, I have no use for it. That saddens me. :(

Royal Fool

08-24-2005, 05:00 AM

Google is starting to scare me.

Spigot

08-24-2005, 05:36 AM

This is awesome. Now to get all my MSN contacts to convert. Mwahaha...

GammaLeak

08-24-2005, 05:50 AM

So are people going to hate Google someday for trying to "take over" the internet, or do we just reserve our hate for companies that start with "Micro" and end with "Soft?"

kokyunage

08-24-2005, 06:18 AM

The problem with using a new IM program is getting your friends to switch. Props to Google for using an open protocal that anyone can implement (see http://www.google.com/talk/otherclients.html). However, since AIM is still a closed protocol I can't IM my friends from Google Talk since they primarily use AIM.

Unfortunately, useless for me.

Kefkataran

08-24-2005, 06:18 AM

kefkataran@gmail.com, folks. Add me up.

bapenguin

08-24-2005, 06:27 AM

kefkataran@gmail.com, folks. Add me up.

cool....nicholas.puleo@gmail.com if you wanna add me.

Kelegacy

08-24-2005, 06:35 AM

Go Google, go! One of my favorite internet companies, if not my favorite. I'm all over this, but sucks it's limited to Gmail account holders. Most of my friends are too stupid to do the switch over to the 2 gig behemoth Gmail...instead they'd rather have Hotmail or Yahoo...blech!

Kelegacy

08-24-2005, 06:39 AM

kefkataran@gmail.com, folks. Add me up.

I'm at work right now, so I cant really grab Google Talk and add everyone, but I will when I get home at the end of the day. Anyway, I'm Kelegacy@gmail.com Add this juicy hunk of man steak to your lists!

LouisWu

08-24-2005, 07:12 AM

Stuck at work as well. While we're talking about Google has anyone heard anymore rumors concering them buying Tivo? I've read hints about this plan for months but never anything concerete. But with Google's recent introduction of more stock they have something along the lines of 4 billon dollars to spend... yes that's Billon with a B! I'm really interested to see where they throw their weight around now.

Tricky Thumb

08-24-2005, 07:28 AM

kylehorner@gmail.com is my account, I've added all the rest of you for I must chat with many people using the GTalk.

I like being hip.

Crono

08-24-2005, 07:38 AM

What else is cool about Google Talk is the free calls to anyone anywhere. Talk about a feature we've all been waiting for :)

Tricky Thumb

08-24-2005, 07:40 AM

What else is cool about Google Talk is the free calls to anyone anywhere. Talk about a feature we've all been waiting for :)

The future of 1994 is here NOW!

TrackZero

08-24-2005, 07:56 AM

Crono

08-24-2005, 08:00 AM

The future of 1994 is here NOW!

:( :( :(

Tricky Thumb

08-24-2005, 08:03 AM

Goddamnit. I'm not in the mood to move my entire contact list over to yet another IM client just because all my friends will jump on the bandwagon. Getting MSN was annoying enough. *sigh* Why couldn't we all have stayed with the ICQ protocol (where it actually stayed client<->client instead of you sending all your conversations to a 3rd party).

Gmail is not a bandwagon, it's more of a giant crane building a towering empire of awesome-filled programs.

Oh and Google Talk is really easy to install, add friends and use. So I really don't see your gripe, especially one they start adding more functions.

Vulture

08-24-2005, 09:05 AM

:D Now I really wonder what the NSA Tap into Google is? That Tap alone must be a massive bundle of fiber

Kefkataran

08-24-2005, 09:23 AM

So are people going to hate Google someday for trying to "take over" the internet, or do we just reserve our hate for companies that start with "Micro" and end with "Soft?"

The second they release something bad, they're toast. They just... haven't yet.

TrackZero

08-24-2005, 10:22 AM

Gmail is not a bandwagon, it's more of a giant crane building a towering empire of awesome-filled programs.

Oh and Google Talk is really easy to install, add friends and use. So I really don't see your gripe, especially one they start adding more functions.

I didn't call Gmail a bandwagon, I called this IM client a bandwagon, which it is. This is not to say that it's not a great program, but everyone IS going to be jumping onto it.

Yes, well ANYTHING is easy to install, so that's not the point. My gripe is we've already got IM clients out there that are fufilling this market role, the only thing different about this one is that google's name is attached to it (which is quickly becoming the new Apple, where people aren't "with it" if they don't love the company like madmen). So my gripe is valid, explain in detail, what this client does that I can't get elsewhere/already have. Don't bash other companies either, I want specific technical reasons of what this client does that another can't, because I'm not migrating my fucking IM list yet again for no good reason.

Savok

08-24-2005, 10:40 AM

Don't bash other companies either, I want specific technical reasons of what this client does that another can't, because I'm not migrating my fucking IM list yet again for no good reason.
Come on, bashing is what we're good at.

I must say I'm shocked people actually want to talk to each outside of this place, normally it's a giant flame war here.

Kefkataran

08-24-2005, 10:50 AM

I must say I'm shocked people actually want to talk to each outside of this place, normally it's a giant flame war here.

A few of us love eachother. In fact the hot man-love between Kelegacy and I is the stuff spoken of in legends. You know you've heard them.

siz

08-24-2005, 12:00 PM

I wouldn't be surprised in a few months if we see Google Talk support video conferencing.

Xerxes

08-24-2005, 12:56 PM

Wow... When is google going to make a console... O_o

Kelegacy

08-24-2005, 01:04 PM

Wow... When is google going to make a console... O_o

Holy crap, I'd be a Google fanboy BIG TIME. That'd be a great idea, and one I'd LOVE to see. MS isnt really an innovator, nor is Sony. Google making a console, or teaming up with Nintendo...that thought makes me moist just thinking about it.

dr_wily

08-24-2005, 01:33 PM

now we just need trillian to update to freebie so i can talk on yahoo, aol, icq, and google
<rolls eyes>

too many fingers in the honey pot.

Kefkataran

08-24-2005, 02:45 PM

too many fingers in the honey pot.

Yeah, how dare they try and offer us another high-quality free service? They'll obviously fail.

Kelegacy

08-24-2005, 04:38 PM

anyone else here have gmail? My list is pitifully small right now. Bobbler, Kefkataran, Tricky, and bapenguin so far. Put your addresses here so we can add you all!

Kefkataran

08-24-2005, 06:00 PM

Kelegacy

08-24-2005, 06:02 PM

I actually can't even log in to G-Talk right now. :( Keep getting some weird error message. Sent in a support ticket and they just replied saying they were aware of the problem and working diligently to fix it.

Too late, man. You missed the "cool" first wave. We dont want you on our buddy lists anymore. Good day, sir.

I said, GOOD DAY!

Kefkataran

08-24-2005, 06:03 PM

:(:(:(:(

That said, damn.

Kelegacy

08-24-2005, 06:10 PM

:(:(:(:(

That said, damn.

Oh quit your sniffling. I guess I'll let you onto my list. Hell, i already sent you an invite. Guess I'm stuck with you now!

nonchalance

08-24-2005, 08:31 PM

nonchalance@gmail.com, chilluns.

Will install and add people when I get home.
Offices frown on such things.

Spigot

08-24-2005, 09:03 PM

I'm spigot@gmail.com. Go nuts with the adding.

Kefkataran

08-24-2005, 10:28 PM

I'm seriously baffled as to why the dumb thing won't let me log on. It's quite annoying, I assure you.

TrackZero

08-24-2005, 10:31 PM

Ugh, screw it, I'll jump on board and install this tomorrow morning. (Was going to hold out installing it until it became "mainstream".)

Bushido

08-24-2005, 10:47 PM

This is awesome. Now to get all my MSN contacts to convert. Mwahaha...

Im working on the same problem...but I got about half already.....

Kefkataran

08-24-2005, 10:49 PM

Someone fix mine so I can connect. DO IT NOW! *Stomps foot*

nonchalance

08-25-2005, 03:12 AM

Someone fix mine so I can connect. DO IT NOW! *Stomps foot*

Mine sat doing nothing for quite some time before working, if that helps?

TrackZero

08-25-2005, 08:23 AM

Their server is probably being flooded. I've got the same problem now, I've logged in and then added some buddies, but it's just sitting there, no response from the server yet I suppose.

Kefkataran

08-25-2005, 09:45 AM

Mine sat doing nothing for quite some time before working, if that helps?

It doesn't. You non-helpful son-of-a-bitch.

/cry

I've hit my lowest point.

Spigot

08-25-2005, 11:36 AM

I haven't had a problem at all. Loaded up lickety-split and has stayed on since. I even have a few of you unfortunate souls on my list... mwahaha...

Kelegacy

08-25-2005, 11:51 AM

I haven't had a problem at all. Loaded up lickety-split and has stayed on since. I even have a few of you unfortunate souls on my list... mwahaha...

Like me!

Gtalk is basically an EvAv messaging service right now though. Until I convert others, but the people I know are dumb and stubborn, clinging to AIM like a mother to her mutant fetus.