Now Anyone Can Run Google Talk

[Jeff]

As of today, Google Talk is now available to anyone. You no longer need to have a Gmail account to sign-up for and run Google Talk instant messenger.

Google Talk is a very nice, streamlined instant messenger that also provides free PC-to-PC voice calls, voice mail and fast file transfers.

While I like Google Talk, up until now, the one-year old instant messenger hasn't made a significant dent in the IM market. Opening up registration to allow anyone to use it should increase Google Talk market penetration, and could be a first step towards the previously announced Google Talk - AIM interoperability.

I haven't tested Google Talk with a non-Google email address, and I'm curious to hear how voice mails are received. If you've signed up, please let us know.

[Eagle_Kiwi]

Those first 2 links seem to contradict each other.
I see the following on the "Google Talk" page: "

Google Talk is in beta and requires a Gmail or Google Account username and password."

I shall wait a bit more, till they get their act together, I think!

[mfenech]

If you go here: https://www.google.com/accounts/NewAccount?service=talk (linked from the blog page) you can sign up as stated.

[Spike]

Awesome, another feature which should open Gtalk to many new users. I like the way they're going with this. =)