Google recently launched “gtalk labs” a separate version of gtalk the famous IM by Google. Its a little confusing for the users who wonder why would Google will name another version of gtalk to “gtalk labs” why not make it a next or upcoming version of gtalk.

Well the answer is simple, gtalk labs is a bit more focused to group chat’s, integrated with Google calendar, and Gmail & orkut. Its not a next version of gtalk and unlike gtalk it does not support file sharing, voice chat or voice message, but it does have strong support for group chats.

The core focus of gtalk labs is to align with the Google App’s which provide powerful applications for business, schools and organizations. When dealing with such application gtalk labs align directly with Google Apps as its core focus is collaborative discussions in groups or socializing with orkut or communication with gmail, which is an essential part for all business, schools and organizations.

I have installed gtalk labs & so far its working great, they added animated emotions, the interface is a bit different and now the chat window do not open separated rather its a tabbed window inside gtalk. Another interesting thing you can use both gtalk & gtalk labs together using two separate accounts.

Added functionality in gtalk labs

• You can group chat with a bunch of your friends
• There are animated emoticons
• The chat window is build inside gtalk in an added tabs
• Integrated with orkut
• Integrated with Google calendar
• Integrated with gtalk

Missing functionality from gtalk labs vs gtalk

• There is no file sharing
• There is no voice chat
• There is no voice messages
• There are no options or settings

Ref: http://www.google.com/talk/labsedition/

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