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Images: Google calls on IM, talk service

Google takes on AOL, Yahoo and Microsoft with its own instant-messaging program that allows text chat and computer-to-computer voice connections.
By Bill Detwiler, Contributor
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Google takes on AOL, Yahoo and Microsoft with its own instant-messaging program that allows text chat and computer-to-computer voice connections. As you begin, Google Talk will pre-load your Gmail contacts with your most frequently-emailed contacts at the top of your Friends list.

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The availability status of your contacts is coded next to their name, with their connection availability on the right. You can initiate a call or e-mail from the IM chat box.

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You can customize your settings including managing your friends list, blocking unwelcome people and saving your chat history.

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And, of course, it wouldn't be a Google product if it didn't include a search tool.

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