Google Talk beta – beta

There is a new version of Google Talk available that adds a feature that most other instant messaging clients have: user pictures. It also contains a number of new features, including:

 * Pop-up boxes for contacts when rolled over
 * Multiple visual themes with different formats to display chats

* Alerts now have a close button and right-click option

* Contact status changes occur mid-conversation
* Ability to set alert to display when a contact comes online

* Ability to sort contacts by name

* Contact’s name changes transmit occur more quickly

All in all, it sounds like they’ve addressed a number of issues that kept it slightly behind the cutting edge in the world of instant messaging. Being integrated with Gmail has to have been a huge boost for Google Talk, and if they can continue to improve the client, it may well have a chance. Unfortunately, there is no mention of a fix to my personal bugaboo: hotkeys. Hopefully soon.

Note – this is a beta version of a beta product. Confused yet? Me too. Basically, this is a test build. Install at your own risk, yada yada yada. And here’s a review if you’re not sure you want to take the plunge just yet.

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Technorati Tags: google talk, Beta, chat, Alerts