This just in: Chatter is starting to grow that a new version of Google Talk is currently in the works.
Via Google Operating System (“Google Talk, Not Dead After All“):
“14 months ago, when Google added Vista support for its instant messaging client, nobody anticipated a long period with no updates. According to a Google engineer, the desktop client hasn’t been abandoned and we should expect a completely new version of Google Talk. While I couldn’t find when it will be released or the new features, it’s reassuring to hear that Google is still working on GTalk.”
ZDNet notes (“Google Talk desktop client set for an update?“) that the last GTalk update was to add support for Microsoft Vista. There’s been a big fat nothing since then, with all development work since devoted to the web-based client.
I’ve said my piece in this respect before. Let’s hope there’s some truth to the rumours. Google Talk is still my IM preference over most of the rest of the field – including MSN, Yahoo!, AIM, IRC, and the slew of 3rd party tools like Trillian; but it would be nice to see some actual attention from Google again.
Both posts ask for user feedback on what you’d like to see included in the alleged new version. I stick my hand up for AIM integration, group chat. The remaining features (emoticons, Chatback, and ability to embed instances in websites) are nice to have, but I could take them or leave them.
References:
- “Google Talk desktop client set for an update?” ZDNet, 3 March 2008
- “Google Talk, Not Dead After All“, Google Operating System, 2 March 2008
- “Google Talk Chatbacks: I’m unimpressed“, Tech Ticker, 27 February 2008
Thanks for the update on this, I know you were frustrated with Google Talk earlier, it would be nice to have them stay on top of the client. Keep us posted!
Hi Kate,
Yeah I think they’ve left us poor locally-installed chat client users in the lurch, but it’s good to see they seem to be working towards resolving that.
I’ll definitely keep my ear to the floor for any updates
Cheers,
Mike