Google has launched Google Talk a instant messenger and internet phone tool. The BBC points out that Google's IM service launches far behind rivals like AOL (40 million), Microsoft (14 million) and Yahoo (20 million). MSNBC.com reports that Google Talk is open source and works with other IM tools like iChat.
Google based its software on open standards, so it will work with smaller networks that are based on the same technology. Text messages can be exchanged with users of Apple Computer Inc.'s iChat, Cerulean Studios' Trillian and the open-source Gaim program.
Google also is inviting programmers to build its technology into their software.
"It means other people and developers will be able to add value to our network by being able to add this to computer games, productivity applications and anywhere else they want," said Georges Harik, director of product management at Google.
The new Google program features a basic user interface with few graphics, much like the main Google search site. It does not spawn pop-up windows or display ads like America Online's Instant Messenger.
And Skype has a huge lead in internet phone with 51 million users over Google's new tool. Plus, Google's service does not let users call regular phone lines like Skype does. The launch also makes Google much more of a web portal than a search engine as it continues to look more and more AOL and Yahoo like. A Google Talk faq can be found here.
Google has launched 
