Following
months of speculation, Google has finally revealed its plans to
enter the voice over IP (VoIP) market.
With the last
year seeing the ever increasing reach of the Skype downloadable
VoIP service, Google said it is now focused on developing
innovative technologies that enhance people's lives. Its new Google
Talk service, the company says, encourages and simplifies instant
communication across the web.
"At Google… we
recognise the importance of efficient instant communications and
information exchange," said Georges Harik, director, product
management, Google. "Google Talk further enriches our users'
communications experience, whether they choose to communicate via
e-mail, IM [Instant Messenger], or a call."
Key features of
Google Talk include “superior” voice quality, a simple and
intuitive user interface with no clutter, pop-ups or ads, and a
shared Gmail contacts list so there is no need to maintain
different contact lists.
Google Talk will
be available free via a downloadable Windows application for
Google’s Gmail.
Google Talk
enables Google users to connect to the Google Talk service and
exchange messages using any client that offers the same messaging
function, including Trillian, Adium, iChat, GAIM, and Psi.
Google is
currently working with EarthLink to federate with their Vling
communications service and with Sipphone on federating their Gizmo
Project.