Pretty much every major chat client includes a way to transfer files along with instant messages. If you're using AOL, MSN, or Yahoo! instant messenger to catch up with a friend and want to send a photo or MP3, you can. But if you're using web-based IM client meebo, it's been a different story... until now.

Meebo has just rolled out an update that includes a few new emoticons, and oh yeah, support for transferring files. Don't expect to send huge videos over the service though. There's a 10MB size limit on files you transfer, and a 30MB per user limit per month.

Meebo is using Amazon's S3 storage service and EC2 scaling service to facilitate file transfers. So don't expect those file size limits to go away anytime soon. But this is definitely a step in the direction of making Meebo a complete replacement for desktop-based instant messaging clients.

In this issue of Googleholic we cover:

• Flint cant get enough of Google
• Google City Giudes
• Hidden Google Services
• Google's Summer Health Tips
• Making Google Buttons
• Google Earth for Katrina

and more...

Sharing files with people you know seems like it ought to be a solved problem, but it isn't, really. IM file transfer is unreliable, attachments choke email servers, web-based upload services have file size limits and are often s-l-o-w. Pando took a shot at it and it's not bad, but it requires recipients to download the Pando client, which, among other things, isn't available for Linux. BoxCloud, however, just might be on to something. Its pitch is "Dead Simple File Sharing" and indeed it's pretty simple. Once you've installed the BoxCloud client--available for Windows, Mac and Linux--you add contacts and groups, then when you want to share a file or folder you just drag it to the contact or group you want to share it with. BoxCloud will send them an e-mail telling them your BoxCloud URL (or you can just tell them to go to yourname.boxcloud.com). They'll have to sign up for a BoxCloud account to get to your files, but they don't have to install any software. BoxCloud also has some handy features, like letting you give files descriptions and tags, and allowing your contacts to leave comments on your files. You can also share files with yourself, which could be handy for accessing your files remotely. BoxCloud has several levels of service, starting with a Free plan that allots you 1GB of downloads per month, which is enough for casual sharing but not much more. The Free plan also shows AdSense ads on your BoxCloud page. The "Personal" plan ditches the ads and gives you 5GB for $5 per month, and from there it goes up to Basic (25GB/$9), Pro (50GB/$24), and Premium (100GB/$49).

Google has just released a great new version of Google Talk. This new version has all the goodies people have been asking for.

This new feature list includes:

• File Transfer - Send unlimited files and folders to contacts. With no restrictions on file size.
• Voicemail - If your buddy isn't answering his/her call, leave a message. A voicemail message. And even if your friend doesn't use Google Talk, they can still receive it in a nice little attached audio file.
• Music Status - Show what tunes you are currently listening to.

Google Talk is shaping up to be an ultimate player in the IM and VoIP world. They have come a long way since the launch of their first rendition of a barebones instant messenger. MSN Messenger look out!