Google, Inc. has finally entered the IM arena with their own instant messaging client, Google Talk. It uses Jabber/XMPP technology and allows other IM clients (e.g. GAIM, Trillian, etc.) for non-Windows OS's to connect to its service. It features instant messaging thru chat, just like all the other IM clients. However, you can use Google Talk to call a person who also has it installed. Here's the downside: you must have a GMail account to be able to use it because it is still in Beta. Personally, I don't think it's a downside. I mean, who DOESN'T have a GMail account. The question is: why would someone switch IM clients? Is it better? Yahoo's Messenger has calling options too. So what's the point of having Google Talk? Google's answers: # Choice: Get in touch how and when you want to??"over email, IM or a call # Quality: Talk through your computer but hear your friends as if they were in the same room # Convenience: Your GMail contacts are pre-loaded into Google Talk so inviting or talking to your friends is just a click away I don't really care what features they put in there. I'd try it anyway. Anyway, here's a suggestion for Google's next project. How about free blog hosting? They can call it "GBlog," or "Bloggle," or "Bloogle." Whatever it is, I'm sure I'll be trying it out also. :-D