Google Tries to Attract More Users with New Instant Messaging Features

Digital Journal — Google has implemented a trimmed-down version of its Talk software to its Gmail service to encourage more users to use instant messaging (IM). Using the new interface, users can email or instant message any contact and see if the other person is online.

The company says it is incorporating the new Talk service because “Communications these days can be frustrating.”

What it really means is that it is working to change the company’s image from simply a search engine. Gmail currently has fewer users than similar services from Yahoo, Microsoft and AOL. However, Google expects new updates to Gmail will increase the number of people using its IM network, which also trails behind the rivals.

A key feature in Google’s new Gmail is the ability to send IMs directly from your Internet browser rather than having to install software on your PC. This will be a huge gain for anyone that travels, and those who use different PCs on a regular basis.

Depending on the public’s reaction and adoption of the new technology, Google’s move could also put pressure on Microsoft to move its MSN Messenger service online, as you currently have to download and install separate software to IM.

Google’s Talk service is currently available for Internet Explorer and Firefox. The software also lets you save IM chats sessions for later referral (it can also be turned off with a feature Google calls “off the record”).

Shares of Google, which have almost doubled in the past year, rose $3.55 yesterday to $385.10 in Nasdaq Stock Market composite trading. High trading is a result of a positive outlook on the Internet giant.

The new service will be rolled out to Gmail subscribers in the next few weeks, but the chat features will only work in the US-English interface. The company has yet to integrate voice calls, which is widely expected in future versions.
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