Google Talk Adds Voicemail, File Transfers

Google has released a very nice update to Google Talk instant messenger for Windows. Google Talk 1.0.0.95 adds some very nice features, including drag-and-drop file transfers, voice mail and a "now playing" feature that can change your status message to show what music you're listening to.

I had some difficulty actually downloading the latest version, however. Because of the way Google releases updates in "waves," it may take a while before the update is available to you.

So how well do the new features work? I'll go through each of these three new features, starting with the easiest.

Music Status

When you launch your favorite media player, Google Talk will ask you if you want to share your currently playing track in your Google Talk status. I've tested with both Windows Media Player 11 and iTunes and it works seamlessly. I did have to restart WMP before Google Talk recognized it, but otherwise it works smoothly. And yes, it's optional.

File Transfer
File transfers work very nicely. You can use the Send Files button in the chat window, or simply drag-and-drop files or even entire folders to the chat window. Yes, Google Talk let's you transfer the contents of an entire folder, including subfolders! Received files are stored in \My Documents\Google Talk Received Files\, and it handles large files easily.

Voice Mail
The new voice mail feature really sets them apart from other IM programs, mainly because it's neatly integrated with GMail and gives you the ability to download received voice mails as MP3 files.

This is a terrific feature. You can send a voice mail directly, even if your contact is available, or when you call someone, it will forward to voice mail if your call is unanswered after four rings.

You can read more about the new features straight from the source.

Links

• Official Google Talk website
• BigBlueBall Google Talk forum