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Google adds AIM capabilities to Gmail chat

By Ed Oswald, BetaNews

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.

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By crashoverride

posted Dec 5, 2007 - 6:33 AM

Yay ??????????

Score: 0

By k3of4

posted Dec 4, 2007 - 9:42 PM

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

By lastjuan

posted Dec 5, 2007 - 7:57 AM

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

By preinterpost

edited Dec 5, 2007 - 8:13 AM

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

By lastjuan

posted Dec 4, 2007 - 7:39 PM

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

Score: 0

By yokozuna

posted Dec 4, 2007 - 6:24 PM

Just call it Jabber transport...

Score: 0

By castiglione

posted Dec 4, 2007 - 5:14 PM

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

By setzek

posted Dec 4, 2007 - 6:48 PM

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

By tenebrusmke79

edited Dec 5, 2007 - 11:20 AM

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).