Someone reviewed v on Jul 5, 2022

Pros: 555

Cons: 555

Bottom Line: 555

smaragdus reviewed v2.1.224 on Jun 11, 2014

Google Talk was so-so, while Google Hangouts is disgusting just like all other Google products nowadays. One can connect to Google Talk using Miranda IM/Pidgin since both programs support it (in fact Gmail is using Jabber protocol).

FatBastard reviewed v2.1.224 on Jun 11, 2014

This program is a Frankenstein's monster!

some guy reviewed v2.0.2 on Dec 9, 2013

more bloat link your youtube account link your family friends did we tell you where making this work with chrome only we have implied gmail that only feature work with chrome

improvelence reviewed v1.0.0.104 on Mar 8, 2008

Nice app, still missing the AIM integration that gmail's talk client has but that can be cured with PSI and a jabber transport. It would also be nice to see video support without external applications. I dont really know how well standalone IM clients are going to do nowadays though when its easy and convenient to do the same thing at gmail.com and a few other sites.

Pcfreakske2000 reviewed v1.0.0.104 on Aug 10, 2007

I used to use Windows Live Messenger, but I didn't like the advertisements in the interface and nor did I like the textual advertising in the program.

That's why I downloaded Google Talk and I can describe it in a few words : Easy to use, nice interface, not loaded with features that you don't use, sorry Windows Live Messenger fans, and it's indeed lightweighted and doesn't take a long time to load.

Although, I would have liked it to have video ( webcam ) abilities as well. I haven't found a solution for that yet.

Google Talk is a great program to use and easy to use !

Also ExtendedTalk, an add-on for Google Talk, similar to MSN Plus! Live, adds a lot of features to the program.

indianags reviewed v1.0.0.104 on Apr 10, 2007

My independent reviews about G-talk is, its simply the best. Most easy to use, integrated with gmail, a light application, and a crystal clear voice communication, which is seriously lacking in Yahoo IM. Both MSN & Yahoo IM are very heavy to use. Due to this most of us have made it as a main IM application. Me and my brother cannot imagine what a life can be without Gtalk (he lives in US and I m in India..)

mjm01010101 reviewed v1.0.0.104 on Jan 4, 2007

It downloaded the correct version for me.

Who uses Orkut other than Brazilians?

k3of4 reviewed v1.0.0.104 on Jan 4, 2007

The download provided is for 1.0.0.100 (from here and directly on the google talk page). Not sure if it auto updates to the current build or what?

I like Google Talk, its simplicity and interface. It's not astounding but it meets my needs well.

Joe Dirt reviewed v1.0.0.104 on Jan 4, 2007

While it may be a great application, you still cannot change the fact that nobody uses it. Everyone either uses MSN, YIM, or AIM. People are not going to just up and switch to Google Talk.

Now that YIM and MSN can talk to each other that leaves AIM and Google Talk in the dark.

I have too many users on my MSN list to just up and switch....and have since added some of my Yahoo! friends to my list.

And no.....I'm not going to use GAIM or Trillian or Miranda or something else like that because they also suck and feel and look like 10 year old technology.

One last thing.....who uss Orkut? With YouTube and MySpace, why use Orkut?

abuelobalo reviewed v1.0.0.103 Beta on Jan 4, 2007

1.0.0.104 is already out.

_Shorty-dammit reviewed v1.0.0.103 Beta on Dec 19, 2006

installs on Vista just fine, learn to read.

mjm01010101 reviewed v1.0.0.103 Beta on Dec 19, 2006

This beta reset all my preferences. Not that big a deal, but just an FYI...

Sabz reviewed v1.0.0.103 Beta on Dec 19, 2006

http://www.google.com/talk/whatsnew.html not much is new, but still a good program

twanj reviewed v1.0.0.103 Beta on Dec 19, 2006

Won't install on Vista.

twosheds reviewed v1.0.0.103 Beta on Dec 19, 2006

Anyone know what the changes are in this release or is it just a bugfix?

fenyx reviewed v1.0.0.100 on Oct 31, 2006

well, most of my friends have stopped using msn, aol and some of us also yahoo and have switched to GTalk. i have to admit that i still use yahoo for video conferencing but that is it. GTalk is a great programm that does not use a lot of resources and does the job great.

the artist reviewed v1.0.0.100 on Oct 25, 2006

mr "We"... No one but you stopped AIM nor MSN. MSN will hardly ever stop as long as Microsoft exists, or unless a rebranding is made.

mjm01010101 reviewed v1.0.0.100 on Oct 25, 2006

Everyone important I know uses this.

We stopped ICQ ages ago because of the bloat.
We stopped AIM because of the ad creep.
We stopped MSN because of the bloat and ad-creep.
Happy with gtalk.

Nikkie reviewed v1.0.0.98 on Oct 10, 2006

Love it!!

I do wish for an option to add skins.maybe just make it an addon for those who want skins and have them download the addon seperate.Otherwise,It doest everything it has to do and it does it well... good job..

VictorAnderson reviewed v1.0.0.98 on Sep 29, 2006

GoogleTalk is excellent. No bloat-ware, spyware or banner ads.

Its a shame that blogger15 has to use this area to SPAM us with b.s. VOIP service stuff. blogger15 should mention that gtalk@phone is not associated with google, and unlike Skype (which is currenlty letting users make FREE voIP calls in Canada and USA) - that gtalk@phone costs $.

a 5 for google talk, a zero for spammer blogger15.

blogger15 reviewed v1.0.0.96 on Sep 19, 2006

the messenger is great! its plain, its fast, and gets the job done. in addition to that, i know this site www.gtalkphone.com that works well with google talk and it allows its users to make PC to ordinary phone calls in the world! pretty neat!!!

mjm01010101 reviewed v1.0.0.96 on Aug 17, 2006

REVOLUTIONART

Awesome. It' the only word I can think of either.

yokozuna reviewed v1.0.0.96 on Aug 17, 2006

NikMan, I am glad I could help. Remember that both users must use Google Talk in v.1.0.0.95 or above.

hilfer, right click on the contact and "send files".

This release supports Google music trends and a new sound codec.

NikMan reviewed v1.0.0.96 on Aug 17, 2006

Nice, Thanks for updatin my info. Google talk is great. I will convince all of my friend to switch to Google talk :))

nickpowers101 reviewed v1.0.0.96 on Aug 16, 2006

Lightweight and simple. I think it's great.

hilfer reviewed v1.0.0.95 on Aug 8, 2006

Where do you guys see the file transfer ???

Just downloaded new version and it looks the same !!!

Just to inform that after a re-start the share music feature seems to do not work anymore.But it's a testing version anyway.All the rest ik ok so far.

streryan reviewed v1.0.0.95 on Aug 8, 2006

I really like Google talk. It is a very simple client to use. The only downside is that it's hard to find many people who use it

The MAZZTer reviewed v1.0.0.95 on Aug 8, 2006

I just love this client, and not just because it's Google. The interface is simplistic and nice, and I am liking the lack of annoying emotes.

The integration with the Google Desktop Sidebar is also very well done.

The GMail integration is also a welcome feature, with the mail button for all contacts to e-mail their GMail account, automatic chat logging to your GMail Archive, and the new voicemail feature which sends an e-mail to the other person with a recording embedded in the e-mail, Google Talk not required by the other person. Very nice.

Google continues to tie the internet closer and closer together with the desktop.

"stopbuggingme", File transfer is indeed in Google Talk. Images (GIF and JPG, no PNG sadly) appear as thumbnails and load on the other person's screen in real time. Other files appear as an icon. Clicking downloads the full file from the other person.

I also think Encryption and Multi-user convos are being considered for later versions.

RoSmecher reviewed v1.0.0.95 on Aug 8, 2006

how do you guys give it such a high rating, i absolutly hate it when you guys give this product a high mark just because it is google. software products should be rated not based on company reputation but on the actual product itself!

stopbuggingme reviewed v1.0.0.95 on Aug 8, 2006

Encryption? Multi user conversations? File transfers? SIP?

Nowhere to be seen.

twanj reviewed v1.0.0.95 on Aug 8, 2006

not much missing now. file transfers, shows what music is playing, and VOICEMAIL!

THZGryphon reviewed v1.0.0.92 on Jul 28, 2006

New version came out today. http://www.google.com/talk/whatsnew_more.html

I don't understand why you can leave voice mail, but you still can't send a text message to offline contacts.

Overall, still love Google Talk.

UTAKER reviewed v1.0.0.92 on Jun 22, 2006

somehow i cant even login these days to googletalk whereas i other IMs work. Get disconnect on connect in a loop.

englishmen reviewed v1.0.0.92 on Jun 20, 2006

This is what a messenger talk program should be like, clean, lite on resources & fast. If i get a talk program it means i want to talk to others, that's it. Why do i want adverts, file transferring, and all the other features which bloat the other instant messenger clients?

yokozuna reviewed v1.0.0.92 on Apr 12, 2006

For all those complaining that Google Talk does not encrypt messages - there is a program that hard encrypts the messages. Just download it from here: http://www.secway.fr/us/products/simplite_jabber It is free and works very well. BTW, it works with other IMs too.

According to the producer: SimpLite-Jabber authenticates your contacts using RSA keys up to 2048 bits. Encryption is done using the following algorithms: AES (up to 128 bits) or Twofish. Those proven modern algorithms guarantee a strong security of your online conversations.

benZin reviewed v1.0.0.92 on Apr 7, 2006

I love this one !

xyzcb1 reviewed v1.0.0.92 on Apr 7, 2006

still no file transfer.

unforgivendown reviewed v1.0.0.92 on Apr 7, 2006

Simple, easy to use, light on resources.

Highly recommended.

Zankur reviewed v1.0.0.92 on Apr 7, 2006

fu**!
a build later,its stripped to 900kb from 1400kb in previous release....
anyhow,jolly good!

mjm01010101 reviewed v1.0.0.92 on Apr 6, 2006

Who goes "offline" anymore?

jron reviewed v1.0.0.92 on Apr 6, 2006

might as well make the switch this is taking over... and fast. great IM client. gota love jabber too ;P put a stop to closed IM protocols today by making the switch to google talk. cya AIM.

dumaiso reviewed v1.0.0.91 Beta on Apr 3, 2006

Google Talk needs an offline messages feature, MSN Messenger just added this feature and is much better now.

I know we have email, but when you want to leave a short message to your buddy, you won't feel comfortable using email.

MichelbiTes reviewed v1.0.0.91 Beta on Apr 2, 2006

I love this thing... Its better then Skype to talk to people. Its much more cleaner to listen to people. no to many hickups

LePetitCrack reviewed v1.0.0.91 Beta on Apr 2, 2006

Arretez de vous plaindre de la simplicité des produits Google. C'est le mot d'ordre, si vous voulez du compliqué, télecharger Msn Messenger, ou pire Icq :-|

nebojsaf reviewed v1.0.0.91 Beta on Apr 2, 2006

It's ugly.
Only basic functions.

And Google has only beta products - it seems that they do not know to make stable relese canditate and they forever stay in beta... not a great way to go!

Pantagruel reviewed v1.0.0.91 Beta on Apr 2, 2006

Adrian79,
I dont care about file transfers, if you want file transfers, get an ftp server. This is for CHAT only. get over it. Understand now?

Adrian79 reviewed v1.0.0.91 Beta on Apr 1, 2006

chat programs without file transfers are pretty much considered worthless to most of us ;-) understand that?

dhry reviewed v1.0.0.91 Beta on Apr 1, 2006

Shorty, this is a CHAT program, not a FILE TRANSFER program. Please understand the difference.

M^3 reviewed v1.0.0.91 Beta on Apr 1, 2006

Skyfrog: I totally agree.

mjm01010101 reviewed v1.0.0.91 Beta on Apr 1, 2006

I agree, the Avatars should be in Gtalks applications data dir, not my pics.

Skyfrog reviewed v1.0.0.91 Beta on Apr 1, 2006

Dear Google, please do not put your avatars in the My Pictures folder. Now I have all these stupid little avatars showing up in my wallpapers list. The avatars belong in either the Google Talk directory or in the application data directory.

ElonNarai reviewed v1.0.0.91 Beta on Apr 1, 2006

Finnaly some more control about in the contactscreen. But I dislike the controls at the bottom of the screen.

_Shorty-dammit reviewed v1.0.0.91 Beta on Apr 1, 2006

every other instant messaging program lets you transer files to the person you're talking to, understand that? Any special reason you're being so defensive about something you have ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH? Heh. Stupid kids these days.

ghammer reviewed v1.0.0.91 Beta on Apr 1, 2006

Another perpetual beta from the Beta Company.
Cuts down on support costs I guess.

Zankur reviewed v1.0.0.91 Beta on Apr 1, 2006

I would give a high 5 to google talk!
Does the job well,no useless advertising of other products and services.....
And very lean...i dunno what msn,yahoo weigh 9mb for....
And i think its a height of stupidity that people call everything and anything bloatware if they dont like the product.....
Definition of bloatware is having a software bundled up with additional software which has no co-relation with the actual software being sold...

here i think there's no such case!

jron reviewed v1.0.0.91 Beta on Mar 31, 2006

Best IM protocol, best company, good slim client. Free each other from proprietary IM clients/protos; Switch to google talk today.

darkxiii_ndp reviewed v1.0.0.91 Beta on Mar 31, 2006

Simple & clean. *LOL* The only thing I like in it:
- Doesnt have ad!!!

Velocition reviewed v1.0.0.91 Beta on Mar 31, 2006

Simple? Clean?

Only add 370 KB to it, and bam, it meets Miranda. I say its pretty pathetic for what it can do. They really should've stuck with the first release, as I can easily see that its going to become more and more bloated.

THZGryphon reviewed v1.0.0.91 Beta on Mar 31, 2006

Giving high ranking just because I like the Google company.

Actually, it's simple clean and it does what it is supposed to do.

McAleck reviewed v1.0.0.86 Beta on Feb 27, 2006

yeah, when? the moment it does, it'll be 5

benZin reviewed v1.0.0.86 Beta on Feb 20, 2006

Excellent! When MSN will be supported ?

RoSmecher reviewed v1.0.0.86 Beta on Feb 12, 2006

whooa why is this ranked so high?
the client doesn't have many features at all. you guys shouldn't give high rankings just because you like the google company.

jsc315 reviewed v1.0.0.86 Beta on Feb 7, 2006

Have no problems with it and works fine, but damn is it ugly. Google realy need to design things to look much better. Other than this it's fine. just dont know a lot of people that use this.

mjm01010101 reviewed v1.0.0.86 Beta on Feb 7, 2006

Good deal. I rarely use gtalk, but it's useful to get at my google mail quickly.

Kompressor reviewed v1.0.0.86 Beta on Feb 7, 2006

New Feature: Chat History

Save chat history in my Gmail account - your chats will be saved under "Chats" in your Gmail account.

Cool and Interesting new feature. Gmail is a nice archive for emails and chats.

zellofellow reviewed v1.0.0.84 Beta on Jan 27, 2006

My favorite client by far! File txfr only works about 10% of the time with any of the other chat clients anyway due to firewall restrictions in corp environments, etc. You can send 10MB attachments with Gmail, and anything much bigger than that should be sent with FTP or something anyway. The VoIP is excellent, and the Gmail integration is pretty slick, too. Very utilitarian. WTG once again, Google!

forgie reviewed v1.0.0.84 Beta on Jan 27, 2006

not even bothering with it until it has file sending capabilities.

jron reviewed v1.0.0.82 Beta on Jan 14, 2006

Hello google talk, goodbye AIM sound adverts and shopping buddies!

improvelence reviewed v1.0.0.82 Beta on Jan 14, 2006

-- "I mean does it really make it bloated just to add a small menu with File Send, Webcam, etc under it?"

It's a little bit more complex than that, dude. They cant just "add a menu" and have instant webcam support for the client...

bsr500 reviewed v1.0.0.82 Beta on Jan 13, 2006

Good for a basic messenger, but lacks important features like file send and webcam support. They should of made this messenger like a cleaner version of MSN (like having the same features as msn, but with a cleaner interface). I don't see why they couldn't of put in emoticons, It doesn't even have to be added to the interface, they can make them all like ":)" ":(" ";)" ":p"... etc.. I mean does it really make it bloated just to add a small menu with File Send, Webcam, etc under it? and to add command line emotes? You can add all the features without making it bloated with junk.

THZGryphon reviewed v1.0.0.82 Beta on Jan 13, 2006

Unofficial change information http://www.customizetalk...ums/viewtopic.php?t=232

Murphy71984 reviewed v1.0.0.82 Beta on Jan 13, 2006

Change Log?

ghammer reviewed v1.0.0.82 Beta on Jan 13, 2006

Pretty limited in features and users.
Good for Google junkies though.

adamdawg reviewed v1.0.0.80 Beta on Dec 15, 2005

Great chat program.. but it's still falls short of excellent.

Pros:
- Small filesize.
- Portable (single executable you can take with you on a floppy)
- Low memory usage
- Very light and clean interface (finally someone's doing this)
- Crystal clear VoIP

Cons:
- Missing some basic important features in an IM client. There's no file transfer, no emoticons (which I don't care about, but many people do), etc. The userbase is still fairly small, and I think that's mostly due to the lack of features.

I think Google made a bad move by releasing this software so early into development. When it first came out, they had a world of excited internet geeks testing it out. Now the spark is gone, and it's going to be harder to get people to try out new versions with more features.

Overall, this is great sotware that's just missing a few goodies. I still use it daily as my only instant messenger, and I will for a long time. But I sure hope they come out with some added features soon.

Banquo reviewed v1.0.0.80 Beta on Dec 14, 2005

Works well for what it does, but don't they believe in change logs? I'd like to know what is fixed or added instead of just taking their word for it that a higher version number is better.

Zankur reviewed v1.0.0.78 Beta on Dec 10, 2005

Pros: I for long wanted to have im-client which did simple things without a fuss.I dont really need extra features given by yahoo,msn,icq..

I am a simple chatter who needs basic features,which i found in this hassle-free im-client.Small,fast and reliable!

Cons: May not have some advanced facilities which make msn,yahoo,aim market leaders!

secdever reviewed v1.0.0.78 Beta on Dec 4, 2005

1.0.0.78 is actually new as of a few days ago. Google has patched a possible exploit in their auto updater, as described by James Evans at: http://seclists.org/list...traq/2005/Nov/0283.html

tontito reviewed v1.0.0.78 Beta on Nov 30, 2005

Ye sure, 9Mb of google talk compared with minimum 25Mb of messenger.. sure, messenger looks a lot better, lol!

Reviewer: UTAKER Nov 30, 2005
Version: 1.0.0.78 Beta

consumes alot of memory considering its features and small installer and also when compared to msn messenger or yahoo, it still takes more system memory

Sabz reviewed v1.0.0.78 Beta on Nov 30, 2005

Old release, its not New, why did Betanews post it?

Vilen reviewed v1.0.0.78 Beta on Nov 30, 2005

When webcam will be implemented? :)
webcam is gooooooood...

UTAKER reviewed v1.0.0.78 Beta on Nov 30, 2005

consumes alot of memory considering its features and small installer and also when compared to msn messenger or yahoo, it still takes more system memory

AntiochMedia reviewed v1.0.0.78 Beta on Nov 30, 2005

I can't even express my excitement about functionality for multiple clients being added courtesy of Gaim. I don't like Gaim's usage of GTK+, even though I do appreciate the concept of using GTK+ as a portable window/widget system. I'm looking at GoogleTalk as being a more aggressively developed alternative to Gaim that will eventually incorporate all of the features that make Gaim my current choice for instant messaging.

Banquo reviewed v1.0.0.78 Beta on Nov 30, 2005

I guess it's ok if you want a stripped to the bone client that only supports one protocol and doesn't do much else. Personally I'd rather use Gaim which can connect with most any messaging program out there (including Google Talk) and has way more features. I also don't like how it does not ask where I want to install it.

Kramy reviewed v1.0.0.76 Beta on Nov 12, 2005

Cool, it's shrinking every version.

Still doesn't let me pick where to put it.

Sabz reviewed v1.0.0.76 Beta on Nov 11, 2005

To PC_Tool

its Stool beta Due to the 1.0.0.76 Numbering schemes, as the .76 Gets Higherer to .99 orr whatever, then it will be out of Beta, but withstanding that its a Great product, just hope its not bloated when it comes final version,

nickpowers101 reviewed v1.0.0.76 Beta on Nov 11, 2005

Great for making calls and basic online instant messaging. Light weight and lacks bloat - plus checks Gmail. Great product.

PC_Tool reviewed v1.0.0.76 Beta on Nov 11, 2005

Doesn't it have to be FINAL (i.e., out of beta) before it progresses to or past 1.0?

Just a nit-pick, but hey, Google...let's try not to throw proper versioning out the window, eh? Of course, if you want to start making your own standards, you can always look to MS for help, they're quite good at it, I hear.

Regardless, Gtalk. Meh, love it or leave it. I've used it twice and couldn't really care less other than the bonus that is *is* a Google app, and brings us one step closer to GoogleNet.

simko reviewed v1.0.0.76 Beta on Nov 11, 2005

its ok though i have friend using msn and icq protocol so no use to me but for those that only use google it should work splendit.

ghammer reviewed v1.0.0.76 Beta on Nov 11, 2005

Marginally useful for people who worship at Google's feet.

Xen2oo6 reviewed v1.0.0.76 Beta on Nov 11, 2005

simpel, fast and great! i like googletalk more than skype.

gawd21 reviewed v1.0.0.76 Beta on Nov 11, 2005

When they make it encrypt your messages and your voice I will use it. Not a second before.

yokozuna reviewed v1.0.0.76 Beta on Nov 11, 2005

reets, one thing is sure, with the latest version of Google Talk (1.0.0.76) you will now see from the Windows taskbar icon if you have new email.

When you have new mail in your GMail account, the tray icon for Talk contains a small GMail icon in the "talk bubble." If you decide to use the "Check Mail Now" option when you right-click the tray icon, you will receive a message notifying you that there are no new messages; or, if you have messages, it will show you a summary of them.
In the settings, you will also notice a button that will "Enable diagnostic logging." Google recommends that you do not enable this feature unless specifically asked to do so as it may send personally identifiable information to Google engineers.

bobad reviewed v1.0.0.76 Beta on Nov 11, 2005

Nice. Not bad. Small, simple, and efficient.

Yet, I don't trust it. Like the other "big name" messengers (Yahoo, MS Messenger, and AOL) it starts off small, but will very likely become a bloated, lumbering monster. It starts off clean, but no doubt will end up being a purveyor of spam, popups, spyware, and root kits. I'm sticking to BitWitwise, which I trust will not turn on its users. I trust the BitWise paradigm. Instead of making profit from showing you advertising and trafficing in your personal info, it profits from donations and a commercial (business) version. BitWise requires no install, and has versions for WinAll, Linux, and Mac.

I may be wrong about Google Talk. It may turn out to be sweetness and light forever. But I don't think so!

reets reviewed v1.0.0.76 Beta on Nov 11, 2005

Very nice program, but some release notes would mean the world!!!

improvelence reviewed v1.0.0.72 Beta on Oct 5, 2005

Dark, you are a dumba** idiot. Google Talk uses jabber....it doesnt get more inter-operable than that.

OSuser reviewed v1.0.0.72 Beta on Oct 4, 2005

It's Fast, Small, and Simple! It does 'almost every other communication programs can.

mjm01010101 reviewed v1.0.0.72 Beta on Oct 4, 2005

"Yet another instant messenger, I still hope for interoperability between all networks..."

You complain about google talk then? it can be used with many clients, all it takes is effort to download it. If you complain about anything, complain about AOL/MSN/Yahoo.

darkpepe reviewed v1.0.0.70 Beta on Sep 23, 2005

Yet another instant messenger, I still hope for interoperability between all networks...

BNuser reviewed v1.0.0.70 Beta on Sep 23, 2005

Good soundquality, but didn't ask for an installation dir, thats bad habit. You can move the files to the desired dir yourself, but still get a free installer from this page, googleguys.

Zygi reviewed v1.0.0.70 Beta on Sep 23, 2005

GT use the same component as VoipBuster - Global IP Sound. Both programs have great voice quality (VoipBuster owns Skype in calling to normal phones, for free to many countries).

wincement reviewed v1.0.0.70 Beta on Sep 22, 2005

Great audio quality. Simple, and effective. Period.

@robertguda: That's most likely your browser's configuration. For example, I know in IE, there's an option to "Reuse windows for launching shortcuts" under Tools --> Options --> Advanced.

robertguda reviewed v1.0.0.70 Beta on Sep 22, 2005

I mentioned having log-in problems in a previous version, well, they are gone now. another possible flaw might be that when GT announces a new mail in GM and you click on the mail icon from that mail to go to the inbox always seems to need to open another window instead of opening it in the same window as GM normally does. or is this a configuration thing ? audio quality is outstanding as is the app itself. simple, straightforward and functional. way to google !

reets reviewed v1.0.0.70 Beta on Sep 22, 2005

Personally I find Google Talk a great program to use. I have used Gaim or aMSN for a long time now due to that fact that they don't have bloat in them either.

I like the basics and not a thousand features which you will not use. Google Talk is missing some basic features still but it is in beta and I'm sure they will appear at some point.

Mike reviewed v1.0.0.70 Beta on Sep 22, 2005

smith288, you obviously have no clue what you're talking about do you? Every somewhat technical person I know has switched to and is actively using gmail because it is just that much better than the competition. You don't understand google's goal of simplicity do you?

Google Talk does not give a sense of amateur software at all. It works and works well, all while being extremely fast, lightweight and smooth. What it does is provide a simple, fast and solid VOIP service. The IM'ing is there, but it's really not the main feature. You can't even begin to believe how easy it is to start making calls with your friends and collegues with Google Talk. It makes it accessible for everyone, and the quality of the call is unbelievable, but amazing the bandwidth usage is tiny. It's extremely impressive, but you didn't give it the time of day because you though it looked too simple and amateurish.

smith288 reviewed v1.0.0.68 Beta on Sep 16, 2005

Hypocrisy surrounds the reviews given to this across the technology world.

This software is skimpy in even basic IM features yet google fanboys will call it "light". The same folks who would slam such a client had MS put it out. The interface is clean but reminiscent of amatuer software you would find at any shareware website.

I dont know one person who used their gmail account let alone for IM purposes.

Seems like a market Google should have avoided as it is already saturated.

I expected more from Google than this useless and redundant app. What is my motivation to use it?

I hope to see a bigger picture from Google in regards to this service and how it will integrate into their other services because as it stands right now, Its worthless and hardly a player in the IM world.

sn1p34 reviewed v1.0.0.68 Beta on Sep 15, 2005

The point of google talk is to have a non bloated messenger, although I admit it is lacking some important features that are basically required in messengers these days including file transfer. And it does look a Little like it has a HTML interface, but other whys it's a very nice litle app, and defiantly deserves a 5/5.

And anyone thats wants gmail invites drop me a line at warcrazy@gmail.com I got plenty to go around.

Tazzman reviewed v1.0.0.68 Beta on Sep 15, 2005

Very nice, quick, clean audio, light on resources, still BETA so I wont go into what it is missing as I am SURE the features will come. Installs on WinXP/32 & WinXP/64 just fine now. I reported earlier that I had issues with the WinXP/64 it was actualy my onboard chipset that I had the issue "SIS" removed autodetected hardware installed 64 bit & was good to go

Anyone still needing a G-Mail account email me & I will give you an account FIRST COME FIRST SERVE as I have already given out many from my last post alone..

Greets
Tazzman
tazzman2u@gmail.com

robertguda reviewed v1.0.0.68 Beta on Sep 15, 2005

apart from some minor(?) glitches...(still beta)(it seems to have login problems from time to time) the simplicity of the program is refreshing. besides that the audio quality is outstanding. hopefully it will stay this way.

panic82 reviewed v1.0.0.68 Beta on Sep 15, 2005

This client is very clean and has a few minor unique GUI features (I like the docking of chat windows, for example). It's very light weight, has no stupid emoticons and hasn't failed me yet.

To ServerMechanic... good lord... shut up. You're not forced to use this program. Large companies rarely release a changelog. If it's that big of a deal to you, you should uninstall Windows.

MOGua reviewed v1.0.0.68 Beta on Sep 15, 2005

I've been using the talk feature of GoogleTalk almost daily since the day it came out. and I must say that it isn't Skype.

It seemed like it would always stop working after a specified time and I would have to disconnect and then reconnect.

file sending + video would be nice.

madk0w reviewed v1.0.0.68 Beta on Sep 15, 2005

ServerMechanic: you must be confused; you're supposed to rate a product with a review, not the site that enables you to cast your voice/opinion about a given product.

nickpowers101 reviewed v1.0.0.68 Beta on Sep 15, 2005

It's functional, isn't bloatware and allows me to check my Gmail account. IM is not the most feature rich but the voice component is very impressive. Great product so far.

GeneralLeoFF reviewed v1.0.0.68 Beta on Sep 15, 2005

I didnt need the Google brandname on it to tell me Jabber was good so I have been using Jabber for some time now. As a result this is not bad but it's just Jabber and it's just another IM client. I expected Google to do something new.

Qrio reviewed v1.0.0.66 Beta on Sep 15, 2005

Some people just can't understand that the simplicity of Google Talk is its beauty. Go ahead, continue to use the cluttered AOL IM, or the bloated ICQ which has features you will probably never use.
IM part of Google Talk is nice, voice part is even nicer! Keep up the great work Google.

OroKen reviewed v1.0.0.66 Beta on Sep 8, 2005

I agree... Google softwares are awesome (Picasa, Gmail drives, Google Desktop search). They are free, 100% Freeware... Try them.

Estoy de acuerdo, Google viene desarrollando programas que son increíbles, y sobretodo, son gratuitos. Pruebálos.

jsjoholm reviewed v1.0.0.66 Beta on Sep 4, 2005

You never know what to expect frome google.
Maby in 10 years they have their own OS and are competing with linux and windows, i wouldnt be surprised.

Google talk is easy to use, simple, uses low resources and still its powerfull and its still a beta.

Go Google!!!!

Tazzman reviewed v1.0.0.66 Beta on Sep 1, 2005

Very nice, coming along quite well. still needs a few ""MINOR"" fixes.. I am still getting an install error on my office computer WinXP/64 system, but working just fine on all my other office WinXP/32 systems (not sure why the error it is giving no error code rather than Google Talk Beta Install Error) I am attributing this to the M$ folks more than Google :P

Still early beta but I have my hopes up for group conferancing, UNATTENDED file transfers & a few SMALLtweaks like that.. With the implimantation of thoes, I can dump all other messangers.

Keep up the great work Google,

For thoes that do not have a gmail account email me, I'll see what I can do.

tazzman2u@gmail.com

Tazz

eviljolly reviewed v1.0.0.66 Beta on Aug 31, 2005

I agree with netwiz. I would probably give this a 4 like my last review of gtalk, but because of idiots like davewalden I'm going to give it a full 5.

Sabz reviewed v1.0.0.66 Beta on Aug 31, 2005

Nice easy simple IM Program, i'd recommend this to anyone that wants omething simple with NO BLOAT or USELESS Features

netwiz562 reviewed v1.0.0.66 Beta on Aug 31, 2005

I was not going to give this 5, but it is the only way to balance the people who are rating based on Google conspiracy theories and not the software itself. If you don't like the product, thats fine, but don't rate it a 1 because you have a theory that Google is trying to take over the world or in this case sell your phone number.

"If you think spam in your inbox is bad, how would you like hearing your phone ring in the middle of the night just to find you have a porn advertisement on your phone or some moron trying to get you to buy a male enhancement drug?"

Getting a list of legit cell numbers is not that hard, Google doesn't need to convince people to do that. Plus, your example would require the violation of several laws.

1) it is illegal to telemarket a cell phone
2) it is illegal to telemarket in the middle of the night
3) it would be a violation of their privacy policy

Telemarketers would be stupid to do that, and Google would be even stupider.

If you are concerned for your own privacy from Google, DONT USE IT and feel free to tell others not to because of your concerns not your unproven theories; you admitted the software was great, and therefore you should have given the appropriate rating.

Oh btw, I would not be offended if you just mentioned your concerns in your review and did not give it a false rating AND when I started reading your review I was thinking "why would betanews need to delete a bad review?" as you mentioned. After reading it, I do think your rating should be deleted, as it is irrational and false.

Kushan reviewed v1.0.0.66 Beta on Aug 31, 2005

I'd just like to point out that although you need a gmail account to use this, all people should be reviewing the SOFTWARE and not gmail or anything to do with getting a gmail account.

GTalk is very slimline and very efficient, the VoIP isn't as clear as Skype in my opinion, but then again skype needs a hell of a lot more resources and Gtalk is still much clearer than MSN's audio.
It's lacking in a few features here and there, such as file transfers, but overal it's a very good IM progeam.

Don Juan reviewed v1.0.0.66 Beta on Aug 31, 2005

They don't give away your phone number moron. It's so that people can't sign up for multiple accounts. Great program so far, can't wait till it's finished.

nickpowers101 reviewed v1.0.0.66 Beta on Aug 31, 2005

Fast, functional and lacking the bloat of other IM clients. I'd like to see file sharing, but for what it is right now, the Google Talk is great. I'm looking forward to seeing this client evolve.

photonboy reviewed v1.0.0.66 Beta on Aug 31, 2005

Google talks about how it's planning to eventually work with all the other main programs such as Messenger.

But I need a mobile phone to even register this?

I wasted several minutes thinking I'd lost a few brain cells trying to find the proper spot to register. So how can I give this a good score if I can't even use it?

davewalden reviewed v1.0.0.66 Beta on Aug 31, 2005

Okay.... let me try this once again. Hopefully my post will not be censored / deleted again because it is ANTI-GOOGLE.

Asking for people to give out their cell phone number as a means of identifying you as a U.S. residence is just a ploy to get your number into a database.

If you think spam in your inbox is bad, how would you like hearing your phone ring in the middle of the night just to find you have a porn advertisement on your phone or some moron trying to get you to buy a male enhancement drug?

By the way, I have had a Google mail account for over 6 months. I have installed the Google Talk IM. The voice communications is very clear on my 5 Mbit cable connection talking to a friend using a 3 Mbit cable connection. I have talked with another friend using a 56k dial up and it sounded clear to me, yet he said there were pauses in the converstation for him. I could understand this on a 56k connection.

I prefer the slim client without tons of features. More does not equate to better. More usually equates to bloat.

Regardless of how clear the communications this product provided, regardless of the ease of use, I give this software a rating of 1. If the cell phone number requirement was not there, my rating of this software would be higher.

horsecharles reviewed v1.0.0.66 Beta on Aug 31, 2005

Could someone provide the latest changes 'in detail' please?

DigitalSin reviewed v1.0.0.66 Beta on Aug 31, 2005

I like it a lot. Yes, partly because its Google. These guys know how to do software and they release excellent quality stuff. I also like the streamlined yet simplified interface. Compare it to AIM or Yahoo.

Keep up the good work guys.

zridling reviewed v1.0.0.66 Beta on Aug 31, 2005

Interface and popups are ugly. Why does Google have no design sense? Gmail Notifier's popups at least weren't as gawdy as this thing.

ghammer reviewed v1.0.0.66 Beta on Aug 31, 2005

Does nothing that other IM apps don't do.
Requires a GMail account for everyone you wish to chat with.

GMail accounts require a mobile phone for validation now? Ok, what of my contacts in China, Brazil, Mexico, Russia, etc?

Naaah, except for the "Oooh it uses Jabber" "Oooh, Google!" crowd, others will give it a pass.

Ziad270 reviewed v1.0.0.66 Beta on Aug 31, 2005

Maybe...it will become the best IM software...
But right now...it's just one more..
Too much noise in media...It's a beta?? yes..so..do not talk that much...it remind me MS...with Office and IE1.0...just to put a feet on others...

We'll see...
But right now 2...not more.

Am still on Skype and Gaim.

betasun reviewed v1.0.0.66 Beta on Aug 31, 2005

very nice ,not being a hug like most IM with useless features .

DiGiTaLFX reviewed v1.0.0.66 Beta on Aug 31, 2005

Best update method ever! Think its the same as Gmail notifier. Seems it downloaded the update when it was available and then when I restarted the new version took over from the old one. Only reason I noticed was because of ZoneAlarm

Josh P. reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 26, 2005

I really like it.. its fast, uses very very little RAM.. and is extreemly clean and easy to use.

Plus, the download size can't be beat.

Its not hard at all to get gmail.. they've opened it up to anyone that has a cellphone, so just grab a friend with a cellphone and get an invite code that way. Not to mention that when you add someone that isn't using Gmail to your G-talk contact list, they get a gmail invite automatically :)

Plus, its using Jabber! Opensource, and multi-platform and client compatible. Bliss.

Well done Google.

Josh

Inray reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 25, 2005

Google finally has an IM, that's good news. Even more interesting is the fact that they've built it over Jabber protocol, an open and widely accepted form of IM communication. Thus, communicating with third party messengers is very simple task.

As a messenger client, Google Talk has very small disk and memory footprint and works really fast and stable though still a beta. Something I really liked is that it's a single-exe application. No extra drivers, codecs, dll, nothing at'all, just a single executable and the uninstaller.

Google Talk, works excellent without requiring any additional opened ports in your personal or corporate firewall, not even when using voice chat. That's something Microsoft should learn from (MS own Windows Messenger requires a UPNP enabled firewall or opening all ports from 5004 to 65535).

Google Talk currently has only the necessary features, like text and voice chat. And that is good. Who really needs silly things like all that stuff found in bloated IM like ICQ, MSN and others?

Voice quality is exceptional, much better than anything used before (Skype, MSN, ICUII etc). It has better quality than many hardware based VoIP systems too.

Something I've missed is the file transfer feature. I'm sure, Google will implement that in a future release. Don't forget that Google Talk is still an early beta. Google have plans to support SIP and probably some more protocols in the future and that is a good move for professionals and corporate clients.

Google Talk is currently my favorite IM, I hope it will remain thin and ads-free and not become just another "does everything" instant messaging garbageware.

Highly Recomnended

daint reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 25, 2005

I find it hard to believe that a company like Google still make it amazingly difficult to get a gmail account. This product was featured on the national news, yet people like me and probably many others can't try the product.

So good for starting an advertising compaign. Am I missing a big part of this, or are there many others out there?

I hear you need people to invite you to gmail, but if you know very few on gmail, how can this happen?

Tazzman reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 25, 2005

Works VERY WELL On my WinXP/32 box, but for some weird reason I am getting an install error on my WinXP/64 box, if it is a bug, I am sure it will be fixed with no issuse. Fast, light on resources, not bad sound quality (Pico Phone is still my benchmark for sound quality tho http://www.vitez.it/picophone/index.html )few features as mentioned earlier would be nice, file transfer with AUTO accept like ICQ, group conferance, full XinXP/64 compliant :) this way I can use it at my store LOL.

Tazzman

eviljolly reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2005

Great for a beta, probably worth of a 5 in that respect, but there are many things which could be improved. I cannot conference several friends together in a voice chat. It lacks webcam support, which it's that big of a negative, but I really want something to replace yahoo and MSN's cam software. A few more options would be nice, maybe optional push to talk for voice chat. Overall a great start. I love how clean the install is, and the overhead for the program is hardly anything. Very lite, not bloated. Let's hope this messenger stays ad free.

tannman1 reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2005

Simple, to the point and the other messenger services would be wise to pay attention

ModderXManiac reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2005

We have to cut google a little slack with this, as this is the FIRST PUBLIC RELEASE of Google Talk. It has many nice features, and not bloated by any means.

The network is (of course, its google!)very fast, the sound quality via voice convo is greeeeat, even on my 56k connection, probably due to real-time compression scheme's and the overall speed of google's servers.

Aim Ad Hack...yeah..nice...but AIM is still bloated and slow, lousy network, and interface.

Very clean and simply GUI, and the program is veeery small. All these features in a small 900k size, meanwhilst msn messenger and aim are 4-7 megs.

This is now my favorite IM protocol, and i'm having all my friends move to it as well! This +Xfire, all I need.

oxygenn3 reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2005

This is a great program, and considering it's only beta, it's definitely going to get better

reets reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2005

Awesome program! Does have a ways go to be a complete IM system but this is a great first release. The voice chat works amazingly well and it's so easy to use!

hypatech reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2005

So simple yet so elegant!It's what Iv'e been waiting for!It looks great it does what it says and its just plain siimple!

I rate it a 5!

The only thing that i would like to see is added video support thats all I need

eclipsingdivinity reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2005

I have to admit that this is a very slim featured beast we're dealing with. But look at the system resources it takes up. 2 to 4 megs of ram, and the highest i've seen it was at 6 during a voice conversation with my buddy.

It does exactly what I need it to. No advertisements, no being forced to look at someone's retarded avatar. No profiles for all your teenage bickering. The only main gripe if that we need more complex 'away' system. And i'd like to customize my font. Since Google will probably release those features sooner or later, I might as well not complain. For being a beta, this is a 4.

Bottom Line:

Great to use along side your favorite messenger...for now. Once we see some rich features in the future, this will be a messenger to really talk about. The voice quality is really crisp and fast, even for my 56k. Truly excellent.

jackamus reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2005

At first glance it looks to darn basic. Ive since changed my mind. After seeing what AIM, Yahoo use in space and memory compared to Google Talk is a relief. Basic NOT bloated. They way we need and no extra damn downloads we don't need. Way To Go Google!!!

Arakiel reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2005

add from contacts = spam everyone on your contact list with an invite....yay google...

VERY basic IM functionality, spamming my friends sucked, i'll stick with trillian.

d3bruts1d reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2005

Pretty basic in form, but I guess that's the point of beta. Find the bugs, fix the bugs, and add more down the road. Wash, rinse, repeat.

Will be nice to see how this works out.

Eric20 reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2005

Finally! The long awaited Google Messenger is here.
Right now its really simple. But knowing Google they will definatly be adding new features over time!

If your looking for a new IM to try out

You need a gmail account to use it.

DiGiTaLFX reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2005

For a first release its fab. Does everything it should nicely. I look forward to Google implementing other features such as file sending, and multi-person conversations/conferences in a similar lieghtweight way!

Staff_Tech01 reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2005

This is exactly what an Instant Messenger should be. Basic & not bloated. If you want more, than stick with MSN or Yahoo. Personally I don't see the need for bloated plug-ins like MSN Plus. Do you really use all of the features....NO, and if you do, than you need to spend more time outdoors...AWAY FROM YOUR COMPUTER!!!! File transfers is something I neither love or hate, add it, don't add it, I can live with or without it. Oh and if you saw the screen shot, there is an option to check your Gmail. Lets hope that Google spend time developing useful plug-ins.

latinoV1 reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2005

Well first off I give this a 4 out of 5. Mainly because even though it's clear that this thing is lacking it's still a beta for a reason. Usually with a beta it means that it's not done yet. So hopefully soon we'll see some improvements and more features that are the norm for IM Clients.

Now based on what they do have Google did great. The interface is clean and simple. I like how I can search for contacts and invite them. Really everything that they did do seems to be done extrememly well. I only wish they had more features on their first outing, but I'm sure this will all come in time.

Dreimanis reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2005

good thingy. not bloated with things. great app. i'm giving it 4 stars only because it does not support file transfers. and for god's sake google, don't put any web cam support :)

bsr500 reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2005

Im finding this Google Talk to be better and better longer I used it. It is lacking file sends and webcam support but knowing google they will add these things with time if it is a high demand.

dwby reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2005

Feels pretty smooth. Maybe this will make the people at MSN try to make MSN Messenger less cpu consuming and smaller file size.

sfo reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2005

This is no AIM or MSN, but there are many subtle and nice features. The "user is typing", "foldable chatwindows", "the way messages are displayed", the way status messages are handled are very nice and imho better than the competition.

However, the: lack of filetransfers, no emoticons, no changing ones name, lack of configurability, no timestamps on each line in a conversation are drawbacks. And I kinda like the msg plus send-sounds that would be dearly missed from msn should I change now. They should also integrate the chat-logging to gmail.

It's kind of a "back to basics" client.

DarkMana reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2005

Ok, just because it was DESIGNED WELL doesnt mean you should bash it... if you actually installed it and played around you would have found a decent IM client with room for improvement. Oh, and the mac bashing is a s***ty trump card, pal.

comstock reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2005

Wow, how totally fabulous and delicious. Finally an IM client for the alternative geek lifestyle. All I need now is a mac and a boytoy.

OCedHrt reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2005

Nice and simple, but unicode is broken.

IsoNick reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2005

Very simple indeed. Looking forward to see the future of this one.

compm375 reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2005

It is pretty elegant, but it just does not have enough of features we are used to - buddy info, fonts, chat, file transfer, etc. Also, after several attempts I could not get the audio working on the calls. Gmail integration is somewhat useful, or at least it will be if this program catches on. All in all, a reasonable beta, much more of a beta than all the completely working google features which are still in beta (groups, new, froogle, local, maps, earth, etc).

jogygeorge reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2005

The best thing I like about this is that its a simple single exe file when installed! This can therefore be carried around in a flash disk. Hence finally unlike other not so popular messengers which requires a user to download it in a cafe only to find that the next time he/she has to use another PC, this is very useful!

Davenport reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2005

Excellent! I love the clean look and feel. And I just found out that it can be docked into the new Google Desktop 2 Sidebar. Very nice! Kudos to Google!

yokozuna reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2005

Mixed emotions!

Pros: simple, colourful (I know it sounds stupid, but PCs are not only for geeks), integrated with Gmail, so your friend will not have to remember additional addresses (JIDs), based on Jabber/XMPP (which means that Jabber will be the winner, hurrah!), lightweight

Cons: no contact sorting, only for Win 2k/Vis/2K3/XP, hopeless voice capabilities (at least now,I believe Google will work on that), quite many bugs (e.g. Inbox button does not work), put simply: still in beta stage

Unknown: does it encypt what I write?

Some other Jabber clients to try: Psi, Pandion (only for Win, incl. Win 9x), Neos MT (with voice capabilities, much better than Google Talk, at least at the moment)

Muskie reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2005

Good so far, nice audio....Simple and bloat free for the moment.
File transfer would be nice to have but leave the bloat out (nudges..winks.. other bs)

Muskie

dn2004 reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2005

this is kewl =) shame only a few of my mates have gmail

adamdawg reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2005

My respect for Google's products and services has just doubled.

This program is simply amazing, and I can comfortably guarantee it's going to blast off as a huge success. It's clean, easy to use, fast, and very light on resources, just as we'd all expect from Google.

To the brilliant minds at Google, great work once again!

To everyone else, take advantage of this new software and ditch the "big boys". :)

gawd21 reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2005

Looks much nicer than expected and it's small.

darkuni reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2005

Let's be honest ... they are using Jabber, which is super cool, because Jabber clients (like the far superior designed Trillian Pro) can ALREADY connect to it out of the box. Smartly, Google embraced the community, instead of trying to shut it down. Good for them! This client is very thin and tight, which is good, but I'm not running more than one IM no matter how light the second one is. :)

Nazz reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2005

very nice program i have been using MSN for a while now to keep in contact with ppl overseas and with the sound quality of Google Talk i will definitly change i would like to see google open gmail to be easier to register, also the userface is very nice and clean i believe they need to inprove features such as smiles and nudges, etc

For a Beta Release it is great

nayan003 reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2005

Best VoIP facility....
The voice clarity is just amazing...

Still lacks in lots of features, but this is just the beginning and I expect lots more from them.
Coz I really need a video chat and I am sure they will do a gr8 job in that too.

Sorry MSN and YAHOO !!!

Tene reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2005

mjm01010101, I agree wholeheartedly. Finally, junk behind, Windows API behind; I think I've found a new companion. I was going to leave it until third party instant messengers got hold of it & used its API, but quite frankly I'm happy waiting now.

Superb piece of software. Simplistic. My only qualm is that it doesn't fit in with msthemes.

Another piece of superb, "viral" software. Kudos to Google.

Neoprimal reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2005

For once I see some accurate, to the point reviews. The application is in every essence, a messenger client. And by messenger I mean you can either type or talk to people in real time. There are, no extras. I don't like referring to 'bloat', since it can mean many things. That's an advantage as well as a disadvantage for this program. While simplicity is an achievement in excellence (and will probably get this client to the height of popularity) there are key 'features' not visible in the beta.
1. No ability to transfer files
2. No 'fun' *smilies, winks, animations, buzzes, nudges, audibles etc*
3. No real extent of features.
Some people LOVE this, while others don't. This client will appeal to those of us who prefer bare necessities and won't to those who like to be 'entertained' or chat on IM programs for fun.
Still, it's a very good program and I can see good things in the future for it. Hopefully, it won't go the way of excite IM (which was similarly as plain, and which people got bored with)

viserov reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2005

This application has no bloat, no ads, no unnecessary side-installations. It's almost perfect.

nickpowers101 reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2005

Simple and sweet. Finally a communication client without the bloat. Great product - even in it's current beta form.

theheff reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2005

Very nice software... this has a lot of potential. Simplicity and functionality both at the same time. I'm sure there's more to come.

mjm01010101 reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2005

Simple and to the point. I like it. I'd like more corporate features also, or a separate corporate client. Then I can bail on msn messenger for good.

Diamhair reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 23, 2005

Ok - needs more basic features (file transfer, multiple font support, buddy icons).

GeorgeSantayana reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 23, 2005

LOVE IT.

Simple, intuitive functionality. It's difficult to make software this beautiful and simple. It's much easier to make a complicated, hideous kludge with wizards out the wazoo like Microsoft does.

Googlers are the zen masters of software design.

Continued success.

DJInsomniac reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 23, 2005

Jesus christ, your bashing it because it doesn't keep up the other IM software versions yet? For it's start it's good, lightweight, and small.

MSN, AIM, Yahoo!, etc. all have better features because of how long they've been out. Give Google time and it will have the basic features needed.

bangbang023 reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 23, 2005

Decent start but lacks many simple features that are almost required today, such as file sharing and buddy list groups. It will be interesting to follow, but the current UI is kind of limiting so, to add more features, they may have to change it.

rickya100 reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 23, 2005

Lightweight, fast, not at all resource intensive and doesn't take much RAM.... all good stuff again from google.

Except for my pet hate

The intergration with Gmail (which I love) is excellant except that... Google Talk doesn't give you the option of specifying what browser to use. This means that Google Talk always uses IE (Or the inoperable cancer) to check Gmail etc.

I know it's only a smallllll point against it but I thought of Google as giving the user choice. Anyway that's it and it's a top piece of sw besides.

I'll prob b shot down a few times for that now.

dumaiso reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 23, 2005

Just 800kb... Once more Google make another excellent solution.

Paridine reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 23, 2005

Aggghh.. Gooogle..... taking .. over ... world..

I like!

ServerMechanic reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 23, 2005

w00t indeed.

This stuff rocks man.

Very light and fast. NO ads and no buddy icons. Just how I like it.

This feels like the original ICQ days but way better.

I think I may just never use another IM.

dalmiroy2k reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 23, 2005

It's really light, fast and VOIP works great.
Integration with gmail couldn't be better.
Recomended!

ragejed reviewed v1.0.0.64 Beta on Aug 23, 2005

w00t