As per ZDNet “A New Version of Google Talk released!“:

“Google finally released a new version of Google Talk. It’s been a long time coming, but the new application, in some ways, definitely worth the wait. This version includes all the great features of the Google Talk Gadget, but in an application form. It’s called, Google Talk Labs Edition.”

I’m trying my best to withhold judgment on this edition, bearing in mind it’s been released in the Labs area; but my initial impression is that it’s a second-rate hack.

Unlike ZDNet, I don’t agree it was worth the wait.  While the new edition does bring several of the features that had been available in the web-based client to Google Talk (most notably group chat), as well as notification of calendar events, in an incredible move Google has eliminated the voice chat, send voicemail and file transfer features.

I’m hopeful the final release will resolve these omissions.  Otherwise, with minimal usage of the locally installed chat client already an issue with Google Talk, the removal of features is an unwise move that is likely to cause people to move elsewhere.

It’s never a good idea to remove functionality.  Furthermore with VOIP taking centre stage these days, and voice and video chat having therefore become expected component of contemporary IM clients, if Google wants to compete they can’t go removing voice chat.

In my mind Google Talk could be a one stop shop for fans of Google products.  For example why not integrate the client more closely with calendar, Gmail, search, Reader, and Notebook to enable users to perform more actions from one convenient location.  In fact why not enable Group Voice Chat for that matter?

Like I said, I’m trying my best to withhold judgment on this.  But to be honest, Google has a long history of complete neglect for their chat client, or at best unconsidered half-arsed development, and this Lab release is another example.  If Google plans on including the voice chat component but are having trouble they shouldn’t have released it even in the Lab section.

The big mystery in this is why Google has allowed Google Talk to remain so mediocre for so long.  They’ve got the expertise and resources for a solid chat client, but they’re just not using it.

References:

• “A New Version of Google Talk released!“, ZDNet, 4 April 2008