Late to the party, Google offers voice messaging
As I mentioned yesterday, Google is getting a lot of attention today.
Eric Auchard writes for Reuters:
Google Inc. is set to offer on Wednesday its own instant message and Web-based phone calling system, joining a crowded field of established rivals in a nearly decade-old computer communications craze.
The world leader in Internet search confirmed sketchy reports on Tuesday that it plans to add instant messaging together with Web-based phone calling to the growing menu of technology options it offers beyond simply trawling the Web.
Google Talk is seeking to elbow its way in among four instant messaging Web communities that number more than 10 million users a piece, ranging from market leader AOL, with AIM and ICQ brands, to Yahoo Inc., Microsoft and two-year-old European Web chat phenomenon, Skype.
"This is a missing piece in Google's larger strategy as they emerge to become a bigger Internet media player," said Greg Sterling, an analyst with the Kelsey Group who had been briefed by the company on its Google Talk strategy.
A trial version, in English only initially, can be found at http://www.google.com/talk/. Users need to have a Google Gmail account. The computer-to-computer Web calling software requires speakers and a microphone, or a computer-ready headset.
posted by Fergie @ 8/24/2005 06:31:00 AM
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