I examine the initial release of Google Talk, a lightweight 900K instant messenger. I find it remarkably simple and lean, though I'm still searching for standout features beyond its highly-praised, high-quality voice chat capabilities.
Google Talk is a Google instant messenger. It’s quite small (900K), very simple, and uses HTML+Javascript+CSS+XML. But I’m yet to figure out it it has any cool features. Quick review at DownloadSquad.
I explored a hack to stream music and audio over Google Talk to friends. While I successfully heard a friend's broadcast, my own setup had technical issues, and the method only supports one-to-one streaming.
I catalog my essential software inventory for new laptop setups, featuring tools like ActivePerl, WinAmp, and NoteTab Light. I also weigh my preference for tools like Firefox and MSN Messenger against those I choose to skip.
I explore Google Talk's expansion beyond instant messaging, noting its early integration into Gmail, Google Desktop, and Spreadsheets. This shift positions GTalk as a foundational communication layer across Google’s evolving suite of web services.
I shared a brief update while going on vacation. The comments captured discussions about improving my blog's sidebar layout, finding copies of Richard Feynman's books, and dealing with office web filters blocking the site.
I reflect on how fear drives the creation of bloated, unread consulting proposals. By admitting ignorance and prioritizing brevity, I argue that "less is more" actually preserves focus and prevents the professional stagnation caused by corporate fluff.
Comments
Prasenjeet24 Aug 2005 12:53 pm:
Not sure about the HTML/JS/CSS … looks like a tightly-written Win32 app to me
S Anand24 Aug 2005 2:07 pm:
Oh, is it? Looked quite like a web page to me… will check out.
Dhar25 Aug 2005 12:08 pm:
I tried out the voice chat. Leaving comparisons aside (as I have not used Skype), the sound quality was amazing. It was almost as if the person was in the room with me. Other than that, no cool features. :(
S Anand25 Aug 2005 1:35 pm:
Probably thanks to all the fiber optic bandwidth they’re supposed to have purchased. But I wonder how.
Dhar26 Aug 2005 1:57 am:
Finally got it working at home and tried exploring various features. At the end of the process, realized there are hardly _any_ features. Will take it some time to catch up with features of clients like Yahoo Messenger.
jayant27 Aug 2005 9:21 am:
I guess it is better with less features. Thin client is all about that. Less download time. More functionality which avg users click more. Voice quality is great if both parties are using broadband. On dial up, it comes with bit of lag and some echo.
Dhar9 Sep 2005 3:42 pm:
Anand, had some thoughts on where Google Talk may really be headed. Have put a rough outline here.
Comments