Google Talk with Buddy Icons Officially Released

Google today released a final version (1.0.0.92) of their next Google Talk client version which supports buddy icons, chat themes, and more.

Your avatar will display in all of your chat messages (unless you specify not to show them), in popup notifications, and in your buddy list. Google even supports transparent (PNG support, too!) buddy icons.

Other features include new chat style (the way your conversation appears) customization, an "X" button to close notifications (right-click doesn't do it anymore, but used to be the only way to close the notification popups other than waiting for it to disappear), and miscellaneous other changes.

"Enough chatter, where can I get it?" If you already have Google Talk, it should update automatically. If you want to get it manually, or if you're new to Google Talk, you can get yours right here. Best of all, it's free. ;)