Google adds AIM capabilities to Gmail chat

By Ed Oswald | Published December 4, 2007, 4:52 PM

Google said Tuesday that it had added interoperability with AIM into its GTalk client within Gmail, allowing users to login to their AIM accounts from within the client.

While the feature would allow Web-based access into AOL's service, the feature has not yet made it into the desktop client. All features native to the Gmail version of the chat client, such as chat history and and automatic sorting of buddies based on how often the user communicates with them would work for AIM contacts as well.

"This is rolling out in the newest English version of Gmail today and will be available in other languages soon," senior product manager Mike Jazayeri said. Not everything may be peachy just yet -- tests by BetaNews of the feature showed it still was experiencing problems, however eventually our client did manage to log into AIM.

Comments

View comments by with a score of at least

Yay ??????????

Score: 0

|

It is truly dismal how they completely neglect the desktop client. I'm sure there are people who love the GTalk integration within gmail, but everyone I know with a gmail account doesn't leave it open all day long.

Especially for the Google Apps customers - even the paying ones - having a desktop app for organization communications is a nice feature that they totally neglect to add better smilies to the web chat... it's pathetic IMHO.

Score: 0

|

And let's not talk about international versions. At least the Spanish version is the 1.0.0.093 , that lacks of the latest features (voice mail, file transfer)that are already available on the US version (in fact the Spanish version has some troubles with Vista).

In the Google Talk Team treat the non-English speaking peolple like citizens of second class or something like that.

Score: 0

|

It's sad how many IT projects neglect localization in the original design but you seem to miss the point that Google is investing their resources into a product made available for free to whoever wants it. They have no obligation whatsoever to support anything and implying racist motivation is mentally challenged. Realizing that English a great tool in a connected world will get you further - and if only to complain as demonstrated above. (btw. English is not my native but my primary language)

Score: 0

|

Tsk, tsk. Nobody has commented on the important Gmail new of the day: the colored labels. I'm disappointed on you guys ;-)

Score: 0

|

Just call it Jabber transport...

Score: 0

|

dstratton, AOL and Google signed an interoperability pact last year for their IM/Chat clients, so, yes, AOL and Google both support this.

AOL will NOT be blocking Google from doing this, and Google will not be blocking AOL from doing this as well.

Score: 0

|

I think blocking these is a good idea.

Google Scan's user's email to display advertisements
http://www.nytimes.com/2...AY&pagewanted=print

Prototype software from Google Research could listen to your TV and send back useful information
http://www.technologyreview.com/Biztech/19050/

Score: 0

|

Quick, pull out your tin-foil hats!

Score: 0

|

To actually give a review of the service (including the colored labels): I have tried the AIM in Gmail, and I find that it's an awesome little tool, works perfectly.

The colored labels also work perfectly. I just hope the Gmail team will add more colors to the selection tool.

5 out of 5 for both the AIM in Gmail and the colored labels (ignoring the negative connotation of setzek's comment).

Score: 0

|

How long will it take AOL to block Google?

Or does anyone think AOL actually supports this for once?

Score: 0

|

Bing bonked by service outage Thursday, Microsoft configured the wrong server

It's always nice to have a backup, but it's even nicer to remember which one is the backup. That's the lesson Bing's admins learned yesterday evening.

Microsoft, don't hang up on Windows Mobile, but do call for help

Only a Manhattan Project can save Microsoft's phone strategy now.

See ya later, WinMo: Microsoft's mobile strategy needs a reboot

Carmi Levy | Wide Angle Zoom: Hands up if you're considering upgrading to a Windows phone for the holidays...Anybody?

The Black Screen Syndrome, or, Tech news in search of the apocalypse

Scott Fulton On Point: This is a story about something that should not have been a story, about something that at one time was a story.

Survey reveals there are more women then men, including on social networks

If you think you can market your products and services online as though you're selling car batteries in the middle of halftime, think again. And again.

Acer eclipses Dell for #2 spot in global PC shipments, says iSuppli data

It literally does look like a 360-degree turnaround in Dell's fortunes, as the bells of bad tidings now toll solely for Dell.

Android team updates 'Donut' and 'Eclair' SDKs

The Android SDK includes components which optimize app development for each version of the mobile operating system. Today, the 1.6 and 2.0 components got updates.

Online advertising evolves away from display, toward interactive software

Marketing departments and agencies are increasingly establishing positions for "creative technologists" who can steer designers and developers toward platforms that enable direct connections with consumers.

Comcast deal for NBC Universal is about content, not broadband

Although Comcast is certainly America's largest broadband provider, at least for PCs, in most regards, today's deal with GE may not impact the Internet at all.

Mark Russinovich on MinWin, the new core of Windows

The next version of Windows three years hence will likely build onto a significant architectural change implemented in Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2.

Google begrudgingly adjusts news crawling for paid publishers

If publishers want to make readers pay for news content, and thereby drive down its popularity and Google ranking, the company says, they can just go right on ahead.