Google have today announced that they are to launch their own Instant Messaging Client.
A year after they released their gmail beta, which has helped to stir the webmail market, the indexing giants are following up with a Messaging application which could change the way we chat.
The client features will utilise the features already existing in their portfolio, helping you to communicate with your peers by giving you suggestions based on what you say. For example, if John asks Judy what she fancies doing tonight the IM will use Google's Local feature to suggest a list of suitable activities back to them. Another interesting feature will be its ability to search for other people who are talking to your contacts, so if keywords match you can find people with similar interests and expand your own contact list.
They also aim to tie in googles adsense and news systems, delivering news stories and adverts relevant to what you are chatting about. The possibility to search together while chatting has great potential, not only for personal use, but for commercial practice as well.
The chat logs will also be indexed by Google Desktop Search, allowing you and your contacts to easily recall past conversations.
Google are also considering developing a Smartphone version, that when linked to a Bluetooth GPS device will allow IM buddies to see each others location and allow them to find each other easier using googles new mapping technology.
Google announcement is sure to cause a stir within the Instant Messaging market. With Microsoft currently running a beta of msn messenger that ties into Microsoft's own blogging service, google sticking their oar into the waters will certainly cause some waves.
UPDATE: Google Talk launched