Google Desktop Search and Google Talk
By DarthTibaultI’ve been gone for two days and what happens?
Google did not only release an entire new version of its Desktop Search program (not just an update) but it also released its first (putting Hello aside) IM application, Google Talk.
The biggest difference in Desktop Search 2 is that it now has a Side Bar. If you’ve read about the earlier Longhorn builds you’ll know what it is. If you don’t, here is a screenshot of mine. You can add lots and lots of panels like a clock, RSS feeds (web clips), a scratch pad, a todo list, a slide show of your photos, stock info, weather (US only), etc…
But the main improvement IMO is the search itself: it is now more ‘dynamic’ and searches while you type. Another cool extra is that you’ll never have to click start->all programs again: just type the name of the app you’re looking for in the search box.
All those make this app a definite keeper for me 
(and yes, it can auto-hide)
As for Google Talk, it’s a free, simple, non bloated IM app, based on the Jabber protocol. If your contacts are online you can send them an instant message or just give them a call. If they are offline you can easily send them an email because of the integration with GMail. Much like MSN and hotmail you get notified if you have new emails and can add contacts directly from your GMail contact list. Other neat features are that it integrates seamlessly with the sidebar and that it doesn’t contain any adds or bundled software! That’s right, no scanning of what you type to give personalized ad content!
As you might have guessed you need a GMail account to be able to log into GTalk. If you haven’t got an account yet, feel free to contact me, or any other reporter here as I’m sure we all have GMail and all have invites to share (50 per day to be precise).
A feature I’d like to see being added are emoticons, I’ve gotten used to using them now, and would like to see them in GTalk too. But I’m sure it’s just a matter of time before more features arrive. Skype started without emoticons too. And GMail used to get new features every 2 weeks…
August 24th, 2005 at 10:44 am
Forgot to mention this: Customizable status messages!
August 24th, 2005 at 2:23 pm
Very cool! I’ve tried out the IM program and i’ve installed the toolbar just have to restart to try it out. Great detailed post tibo, thanks!