Google Instant Messaging

The latest news for the search engine giant has it planning to enter into the instant messaging arena. Google has been in the news lately for a few other reasons, so this news item caught my attention.

Google takes aim at chat rivals

Google is to integrate its popular e-mail service with instant messaging, allowing users to chat and send e-mails from the same web browser window.

The most interesting aspect was this:

People will only be able to start conversations with fellow Gmail account holders, or those contacts using services compatible with Google's messaging facilities.

They include US-based Earthlink, the Jabber.org network and e-mail providers in the Philippines, China and Italy.

China? I wonder, will Google's IM fare any better than it's search engine did, when they entered the Chinese market?

A small sample of what users in China can expect. Rollover with your mouse for enlightenment.

Previous posts:

Google's priorities
Google alternatives
To Google or not to Google?

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