Google Talk Beta released

Google Talk is a free and easy way to make voice calls and send instant messages. This downloadable Windows application makes real-time communications possible. Once you've installed Google Talk on your computer, sign in with your Gmail username and password. Your Gmail contacts will automatically be included in your Google Talk Friends list, so you can call and chat with your friends once they install Google Talk, too.

All you need to make calls with Google Talk is a Gmail address, an internet connection, a microphone, and a speaker. That's it! Your friends can be anywhere in the world, and you can talk for as long as you want. All calls are free, and the voice quality is excellent (for optimal voice quality, we recommend a headset). Google Talk also does everything the Gmail Notifier used to do, and can show notifications for new messages in your Gmail account, as well as for incoming calls or chats.

The windows application uses software that uses Jabber for chatting.