Awesome updates from the Google Mobile team just keep rolling out. Recently Google released a Google Docs app for Android, and now comes the ability to video/voice chat using Google Talk. Similar applications, like Fring and Tango, have sought to bring a facetime-like experience to Android. Now, with video chat being built-in to Google Talk(on Android 2.3+), the use of alternative apps will be a choice, not a necessity. Here’s an overview of what you can expect in the potentially game-changing Google Talk update:
What does it do?
The update brings the ability to video and voice chat with other gmail users. Users can chat with other Android users, along with those using Google Talk on their computer. Calls can be made over 3G and 4G(depending on carrier), and, of course, Wi-Fi.
How does it work?
Next to your Google Talk contacts, a video/voice chat button pops up. Simply press the button to initiate a call. Text chats are overlaid on top of the video so you don’t have to leave your call to read them. If you leave the chat to do something else, the video will pause, freeing up your screen. However, the audio will continue like a normal call, with the video resuming upon entering the call once again.
This looks awesome! When can I get it?
The Google Talk update will be distributed to Nexus S devices via an over-the-air update for Android 2.3.4. Some time in the future, this update will be released to other Android 2.3+ devices as well. Keep in mind that the Nexus S is a developer’s phone, meaning that a public release of the new Google Talk could be as far away as 3 months.
Here’s a video from Google demoing the new Google Talk update:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJAiH5-64sI&w=630&h=388]
While the Google Talk update isn’t necessarily imminent, it’s definitely something to look forward to. We’ll be sure to let you know once this update becomes publicly available, so stay tuned!
