Google OS?

Is a Google OS in the works? Just wishful thinking? Even possible?

Kris Shaffer is asking, and answering, these questions at OSNews.com.

Hat tip to Newmark's Door.

Google Talk Update

So it looks like there is more to Google Talk than just a Jabber server. There is a Google IM Program. You can get it here. But apparently it does use the Jabber protocol, so you can use it with other clients like GAIM.

Heading off to test out the client now.

Google IM - Google Talk

Google Talk is apparently live and will be officially announced on Wednesday. This isn't the new instant messenger client we'd been expecting though. It's essentially a Jabber server. You can use any Jabber compatible client like GAIM. Be sure to say hello to me - tomhanna.

Smash's World gives instructions for signing on:

If you're getting the 405 error with GAIM, or simply cannot connect anymore, follow the updated configuration instructions below!!! You have to use an @gmail.com address to login from now on.

Server: talk.google.com
Username: youremail@gmail.com
Password: yourpassword

Note: If you can't login, try to turn off 'Secure Messaging' or 'Encryption'... etc.

GAIM Instructions:

How to set it up with GAIM on Windows/Linux, or Adium on the Mac:
-- For iChat, just enter the information above.
1. Add an account, select "Jabber" as the protocol.
2. Your screen name is everything before the '@gmail.com'.
3. Server is 'gmail.com'.
4. Click "show more options" and make sure "use TLS if available" is checked. Leave "Force old SSL" and "allow plaintext..." unchecked for now. Connection port should be 5222, connection server should be 'talk.google.com' without the quotes.
5. Ta-da! Just login and you should be good-to-go.

Google Desktop 2

Google has updated it's free Desktop search program to version 2. The new version is touted as learning from the users search habits to improve future searches.

Google Inc. has announced Google Desktop 2 (beta), a free downloadable application that combines desktop search with an intelligent sidebar that learns the user's habits and interests.