Google launched their own IM client today under the name of Google Talk.
The Windows XP/2000 client offers Instant Messanging and Voice over IP services similar to Apple's iChat application.
Google's IM service appears to be based the Jabber open-source standard which allows users to connect with other Jabber-capable clients -- such as iChat, GAIM, Adium, Trillian Pro and Psi.
Google Talk clients however, can't connect with AIM, MSN or Yahoo Messenger clients. PC World posts first impressions of the new IM client. According to the site, the client software is very bare-bones at the moment, but Google is reportedly working with Earthlink and Sippphone to provide compatibility with their voice services.
Mac OS X users can use iChat to talk to Google Talk individuals but Voice chat is not supported.