Google Talk First Impressions

Google recently released Google Talk, which is an Instant Messaging program much like MSN Messenger. Google integrated Gmail, which means you will get a notice every time you receive an email, like Messenger does for Hotmail. Google Talk (GT) offers a call feature, which allows you to talk to your contacts through your microphone and speakers. It works pretty much identically to an audio conversation on MSN, which isn’t new, at all. Not that they claim it to be.

The chat window of GT is pretty bland, especially if you’re used to MSN or Trillian. There are no features like smilies, nudges or winks, which is preferred for some of us, but it really leaves an empty feeling. You can’t even change your font which is a pretty basic feature. Having said that, the help/FAQ page says:

“Can I change the font in my chat windows?

Not yet. Google Talk doesn’t offer different fonts or rich text options. We’re working hard on new features, and look forward to announcing them as they become available.”

Of course the benefit of few features means there are fewer bugs and the file is small (you can download GT in about 10-20 seconds, with broadband). So, we hope these new features won’t be as pointless as most of the ones seen in MSN, which also increase the file size.

First impressions are pretty positive. I think it has potential to work well, particularly with businesses that don’t require these winks and so on. Google Talk seems more like a “lite” version of MSN Messenger at the moment.