BigShinyThing

This Wednesday it was reported that Google would be launching an internet telephony and messaging service. Last week’s announcement that Google was flogging off more shares sparked speculation that it was planning more acquisitions such as VoIP market leader Skype. This launch suggests that Google is confident enough in the strength of its brand to go it alone. It will also make its service an open platform for voice calls and instant messaging - this would challenge the ‘closed’ instant messaging networks run by Yahoo!, AOL and MSN.

Google took its first step into the communications business last year with the launch of Gmail - the invitation-only email that has already trounced hotmail as the address to have. Google Talk, a free service that lets two computer users talk or exchange messages, will be available only to people who already use Gmail. Google has now opened up Gmail to anyone in the US provided they give a mobile telephone number as a confirmation of their identity - this will eventually be available to people in other countries.

Google also launched on Monday an upgrade to its Desktop - the free software that allows users to launch programs on their computers. The move is yet another encroachment on Microsoft’s domination of PC desktops as the upgrade mirrors many Windows features.