This could all turn out to be misdirection from Google but Download Squad has posted notes and screen grabs from a session in Google Talk. Others have reported getting in but being bumped off the server. Why is this such a big deal? In part, because of “Google Syndrome” — until the company flames out with a new service, each major launch will be treated like a potential second coming. Add in the magic acronyms VoIP and IM and you get the picture.
Update: I’m installing Google Talk now. From the terms of service:
– A Gmail account is required. No advertising in the talk client so far but that Gmail requirement means more ads delivered within that service.
– “Not a Telephony Service; Emergency Calls Not Available.” Google Talk shouldn’t be used as a telephone substitute because it lacks emergency service access.
– Must be 13 or older to use it.
– Acceptance of the TOS includes a privacy policy. The policy says Google will not archive text or audio contents on Google’s servers. (Those who share computers or are networked should know recent chat text is stored locally.) However, Google is logging a considerable amount of personal information including “when you use Google Talk, the size of your contact list and the contacts you communicate with, and the frequency and size of data transfers.” The company promises to delete peronally identifiable info “after a period of time reasonably necessary to do so.”
What does this all mean? If it works as expected, Google continues to grab land share and become more central to the daily lives of users. Who needs a portal?
Subscriber content
?
Subscriber content comes from Gigaom Research, bridging the gap between breaking news and long-tail research. Visit any of our reports to learn more and subscribe.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Comments have been disabled for this post