Google joins instant-messaging fray | CNET News.com

Google joins instant-messaging fray | CNET News.com: "Not content with being the top Internet search provider, Google is churning out some high-profile new products amid a flurry of punches aimed at Microsoft, Yahoo and America Online.
Late Tuesday, Google unveiled an instant-messenger program called Google Talk that allows text and computer-to-computer voice chat. However, observers questioned what Google innovation could be added to lure loyal users and their millions of buddies away from established instant-messaging applications.
Google Talk appears to be based on the Jabber open-source standard, which would allow consumers to connect with other IM systems that work with Jabber. Google's site also said a Gmail account was necessary to use Google Talk. "