14 DAY TRIAL // Google Talk is an instant messaging client developed by the search giant that allows users to communicate on the Internet using a simple application. Google Talk is based on an XMPP protocol, similar to the Jabber servers, allowing users to connect using a different application that supports the Jabber functions. First, it was a downloadable program that was quite anonymous because it provides only the basic chat features. Then, the search giant decided to implement it into Gmail, the mail service powered by Google, resulting a web-based tool that allows users to send messages straight from the mail's interface.
Today, Google updated the instant messaging client and made it accessible through a web interface without having to download or install any application. At this time, this version of the instant messaging client allows you to chat with your friends or with your Gmail contacts and offers videos or photo previews in chat.
As far I can see, this new edition of Google Talk is based on the recently introduced gadget that allows users to add the instant messaging client straight on their Personalized Homepage. "You can now do more with the Google Talk Gadget. In addition to putting the gadget on your Google Personalized Homepage, you can now pop out the gadget into a separate, small window anytime. This way you can navigate to other websites and still keep your contact list and chats open. And just like running the gadget on your homepage, this way of using Google Talk is completely web-based, and requires no download," the search giant said in the description of the gadget.
If you want to test the new version of Google Talk, you should click on this link but remember to disable your popup blocker before you click on the Launch Google Talk button.