Google Talk with GMail

Search engine Google has launched a free service called Google Talk, which enables e-mail account holders to talk to each other via a PC, microphone and speakers.

It had been rumoured that Google might use the proceeds from a $4bn share sale to buy its way into the market. Instead, Talk has been designed to integrate with other firms’ offerings.

Google Talk will also include instant messaging, but users will not be able to make calls to land lines or mobiles phones, a facility available with services such as Skype and Vonage.

Demand for online phone services is expected to soar as consumers seek cheaper ways of making calls and utilise faster internet connections.

Google is expanding its services in order to increase revenues. Last year it provided Gmail, a free e-mail service, to a limited number of users, who are now allowed to invite an effectively unlimited number of people to join. The company gains revenue from Gmail by placing small advertisement alongside messages.

Although Google Talk does not carry adverts, the company hopes it will encourage users to sign up for Gmail.

Because Talk software is based on an open standard, allowing it to be integrated into other websites and applications, Google hopes it will encourage companies and individuals to expand its service and customise it to fit their specific needs. It will also allow users to talk to people on other providers. The ‘closed’ systems offered by Rivals are unable to do this.

A free trial version of Google Talk is available at http://www.google.com/talk/.