Both you and I have been complaining for quite awhile that Google needs to provide an updated desktop version of the Google Talk instant messenger, and it looks like they are listening after all. Over the weekend they released a new version called Google Talk, Labs Edition that is currently in testing. Sounds great, right?
Google almost got it right. They took their existing Google Talk gadget that is powered by Flash, and wrapped it into an actual installable application. That means you get things such as group chat capabilities, tabbed conversations, nice smilies, and enjoy the integration with Flickr/YouTube. Not only that but they also included a new notifications system (pictured to the right) that will show you when you receive new Gmail emails or have an upcoming appointment on Google Calendar. It’s almost everything I wanted.
The downside? Well, it looks as though they took one step forward and two steps back. This desktop version of Google Talk doesn’t include the best aspects of the existing desktop client, which are file transfers and voice chat. Bummer! Seeing that the new version utilizes their Flash client I was also expecting it to be cross-platform (Windows, Linux, and Mac), but it’s only available for Windows.
So maybe we need to make ourselves a little clearer… Dear Google, we wanted new features added to the existing Google Talk client. Not an entirely new application.
[via Google OS]
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Tags: Freeware, Pre-Release, Software, Windows, Google Talk, Messengers
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Hey I don’t see any Flickr, YouTube or such integration in this new Flash-based app. Can you guide me how to view Flickr slideshows in the desktop version of the Flash applet?
Try sending someone a URL to a YouTube video or a URL to a Flickr album. It will automatically be converted.
Ryan, I am disappointed too.
Without file transfers and voice I will not switch over to this “new” flash version.
The current 1.0.0.104 version works fine for me, there really isn’t anything I can think of that I need that it doesn’t already offer. Though voice calls to landlines/cellphones would be nice.
There isn’t really anything I need in Google Talk either, but I just wish that it would get some of the nicer things that their online clients have. The nice smilies and group chatting would definitely come in handy, and I really can’t believe they haven’t added it to the desktop version yet.
D’oh, another application. When will they learn?!
(Edit: they posted it on their Google Talk blog now too:
[googletalk.blogspot.com] – I guess you need to register to be able to comment?)
Thanks.
Works wiht windows 7 too ??