While Google's GTalk messaging application is currently Windows only, shankri-la points out that similar functionality can be achieved by using Mozilla's beta project, Prism, to create a standalone web application. After Prism is installed, run the program and enter the following line as the application URL:
https://talkgadget.google.com/talkgadget/client
Next, give your application a name like "GTalk," and choose your shortcut locations. You'll then have a GTalk/Prism web application that runs separately from your regular web browser (which is helpful for keeping conversations on a separate monitor or to prevent accidental quitting of the application during web use).
Signing in to your newly-created gadget will present you with your contact list and basic GTalk instant messaging. You won't be able to do fancy things like send files or use the music status functions, but you will be able to group chat, use emoticons, and save your chat history (if you've enabled that preference in your Gmail settings).
We know you could use the Google Talk within Gmail or use a Jabber client for Mac/Linux to connect, but using Prism to create a web app can create a better workflow for some users. You won't have to keep a Gmail tab open for IM, and you won't mistakenly quit Firefox when you're done browsing on another tab (which would close your IM session as well).
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
3-25-2008 @ 4:38PM
Chris said...
Awesome tip! Hadn't checked out Prism yet, but this is working like a charm. I'm on a Mac most of my time at work, and unable to connect via Jabber due to corporate firewall, so I always use the gtalk gadget in popped-out mode, which I'm constantly closing accidentally. So this is prefect for me. Thanks again!
p.s. now I'm wondering what else I should prism-ize.
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3-25-2008 @ 4:50PM
michael said...
why not just use ichat???? And log in using your google talk account??
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3-25-2008 @ 6:05PM
Keelay said...
My office doesn't even install iChat on the compies - I've gotta resort to Gchatting in the Gmail window all day...
3-25-2008 @ 6:31PM
Chris said...
iChat uses the Jabber protocol to talk to Google's servers via a specific port (5223) that's often blocked by corporate firewalls. The Google Talk gadget uses standard web ports that would be too restrictive to block for most companies, so this is a great work around.
So far the only downside I see to Prism is that web links in my contacts' status messages or IMs load in the Prism window. I wonder if there's a way to focus these to Firefox?
3-25-2008 @ 6:56PM
michael said...
Ok, I'm actually surprised. People use Gtalk? I mean, I don't know anybody around that personally does. Most people I know use AIM, WLM, or Y!.
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3-25-2008 @ 9:53PM
Thomas said...
Use Meebo in Prism instead. :)
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3-26-2008 @ 3:23AM
fabbaz said...
the problem i see is that when i last used prism there was a stupid problem that only one instance was allowed to run at a time...
i am not sure if this is still the case, but if it was it seems to be beyond the point of workflow to castrate your browser by fixing it to a single program - the only advantage you get out of this is a second task manager entry for firefox..
but, as i said, it's been a while since i used it, and if this is not accurate anymore: sorry for wasting your time and hooray for gtalk in prism! ;)
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3-26-2008 @ 5:29AM
a0 said...
people, wake up, Adium X has got a GTalk plugin. and a bunch of others (MSN, AIM etc..)
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3-26-2008 @ 10:52AM
K-IntheHouse said...
Thanks for the mention, Todd!
I came up with this post when I started using GTalk gadget in Prism for the same reason as Keelay! Plus, I test a lot of Firefox extensions during the day and it meant signing into GChat so often. Now, I can have my GTalk just like any IM client!
Chris, I am looking around for a way to open links from Prism in Firefox too! It's gotta be in teh config file somewhere. I'll ping you if I find out.
fabbaz, this has changed in the new version! I in fact run 2 instances of GTalk in Prism.. don't ask why though! :wink:
Cheers!
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