Is Google adding multi-protocol chat to Gmail?

by Brad Linder Oct 31st 2007

It looks like Google may be planning some new Gmail features. Many users are already noticing a "newer version" of the Gmail interface with faster page loading and an expanded contact manager. But did you notice that you can choose from a list of instant message services to flesh out our contact profile? Kind of funny, since you can only chat with other Gmail/GTalk users from within the Gmail interface -- or can you?

Ionut Alex Chitu over at Google Operating System took a look at the updated Gmail code and found indications that Google would be adding support for Jabber transports. In other words, you may soon be able to chat with contacts using Yahoo!, MSN, or AOL instant messengers as well as Google Talk and other chat clients from within the Gmail interface.

Chitu also uncovered evidence that you'll be able to add colors to labels, and detach messages from conversations. We have to admit, we were a little underwhelmed with Google's latest facelift, but we're heartened at the thought that the updated contact manager is just the first of many changes coming soon.

Tags: chat, contacts, gmail, google-operating-system, instant-messenger, labels

Featured Time Waster

Civiballs is a beautiful, soothing physics puzzle Time Waster

I have an absolute weakness for physics games, and while Civiballs isn't the strongest physics-based game, what it lacks in the physics department it makes up for a few times over in style and fun.

In Civiballs, you are presented with a few colored balls, and your goal is to get those balls into the same-colored urn on the level. The "civi" part of Civiballs is that there are 3 sets of levels to play, each representing a different civilization. While the civilization doesn't affect gameplay, the artwork for each level is beautifully themed to it's appropriate era.

To play the game, you are given only one tool - a sword with which to cut the chains that are holding the balls. The puzzle part of the game is in figuring out what order, and with what timing to cut each chain. Do it right, and all the right balls end up in the right urns, with no stray balls entering an urn (a no-no). Do it wrong, and you get to start over again.

Civiballs is not terribly deep on gameplay; the entire game can be completed in about 15 minutes. But if you enjoy this type of game, it will be a very enjoyable 15 minutes.

View more Time Wasters