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 …

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 …

Via Mashable (“Google Talk Turns Into a Chat Widget“, 27 February 2008):
“A new Google Talk feature called Chatback lets you put up a widget on your website which lets visitors send messages directly to your Google Talk account. Your visitors, however, don’t need a Google talk account; they can simply start writing messages directly into the widget. The chat opens up in a new window, so visitors can leave the actual site and keep chatting.”
Mashable’s statement that the new Google Talk feature “lets visitors send messages directly to your Google …

Via Mashable (“Gmail Chat Adds Groups and Smileys“):
“Group chat has finally found its way to gmail’s instant messaging system. So right there while you have your email inbox open, you can chat with multiple people at one time. Start a group chat by clicking on the Options link at the bottom of a conversation window. You’ll now see “Group Chat” as a new option. Once that’s selected, just type in the name of the person you’d like to add to your current conversation. If you don’t see the group chat …

That’s Your AIM in My GTalk
Now here’s a feature I’m looking forward to seeing launch: AIM – Google Talk interoperability. Via TechCrunch, screenshots of development versions have surfaced on blog, Google Operating System.
Based on the screen grab depicted by TechCrunch you’ll be able to chat within Gmail just as you currently can with Google Talk. What remains to be seen is whether they’ll roll this option into the IM client, which is not always a sure thing.
Features such as group chat for example, while available in the web interface version …