Google adds chat to Gmail
updated 05:55 pm EST, Tue February 7, 2006
Google chat for Gmail
Google has added a chat function to Gmail accounts, currently available to users of Windows IE 6.0+ and Firefox 1.0+, but not users of Safari. Google chat allows Gmail users to keep in touch with contacts via IM, and features searchable chat history, quick contact lists, pop out windows for individual chats, customizable status, free voice calls via Google Talk, the ability to save chats, and the ability to go "off the record" in chats. According the website, Google plans to have the chat function available to more browsers soon. (Gmail's new chat features, while integrated with the Google Talk network, do not allow users to make or receive calls--which still requires the download the Google Talk Windows client.)
