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Google Talk Comes to the iPhone

Google Talk Comes to the iPhone
Sure, the iPhone has had various ways of letting you chat with friends via just about any instant messaging network you want. And hey, there are even a number of solutions out there that will let you manage all your chats from one application, like eBuddy, Meebo, and Fring.

But what if you want to limit yourself to one instant messaging network. And one with as few people on it as possible? In that case, the official Google Talk gadget for the iPhone is here to answer your prayers.

Okay, maybe we're being a bit harsh. We actually really like Google Talk and its integration with Gmail, etc, but the iPhone version lacks AIM integration, so it looks like we'll still have to use more than one program to access all of our chat contgacts. Plus, to use the GoogleTalk for iPhone app, you have to have it constantly open in Safari and have Safari active. This means if you switch apps to check your calendar or contacts to share information with someone via Google Talk, you'll have to make yourself inactive on the service and you won't recieve instant messages until you bring the GoogleTalk page back up.

The whole thing seems only moderately useful to us. [Source: Official Google Blog]

Open AIM 2.0 Gives Chatters Choice

Open AIM 2.0 Give Chatters Choice
In the spirit of full disclosure, AOL cuts our paychecks. But don't think that we're excited about this just because of contractual obligation. AOL has announced its Open AIM 2.0 initiative.

While it is possible to chat with AIM via programs such as Pidgin and Trillian or web sites like Meebo, until now those operations were forced to hack their way into the AIM system. This limits advanced features such as voice and video chat and file transfers to the official AIM client only. It also means that at any time, AOL could have dropped a cease and desist letter on the other companies providing access. MSN and Yahoo! do the same, operating closed networks that 3rd parties must force their way into.

But now AOL will join Google in operating open instant messaging networks. This means unfettered access to one of the most popular instant messaging networks for third parties.

Slowly but surely the computing industry is moving towards open access and open source. The integration of AIM into Gmail and Google Talk is just a sign of things to come. Soon, perhaps, you won't need a separate screen name for Yahoo!, AIM, Google Talk, and MSN. Maybe you'll be able to use your Gmail address to chat with people on Yahoo!, or your AOL screen name to IM your buddies on MSN.

From TechCrunch

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Pedophiles Flock to Skype

Pedophiles target children on Skype
According to a report from the Times Online, sexual predators have found a new playground. They are now flocking to Skype, a voice and text chat service that lets you make free calls to other Skype members and low-cost calls to regular phones. Unlike similar chat services such as MSN Messenger and AOL Instant Messenger, Skype uses what's called a peer-to-peer connection, meaning that callers are connected directly -- there is no intermediary between the chatting parties. MSN and AOL, on the other hand, uses centralized servers that allow the service to not only block problematic users, but also monitor conversations in cases of criminal activity.

Unfortunately, sexual predators appear to know about this loophole. According to an article by the U.K.'s Times Online, reporters who posed as minors under 16 on Skype were approached by a plethora of sexual predators who suggested -- and followed through with -- actual, in-person meet-ups. The report suggests that Skype warn children in a more obvious manner, while making parents aware of the service and its potential pitfalls for their kids. Consider this your first warning, parents!




From Times Online

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Sidekick 'Lite' Officially Launched



While Sony kills its stripped-down version of the PS3, T-Mobile is taking the opposite tact with the official launch of the low-end Sidekick iD. Available beginning April 25th, the $99 iD features the standard Sidekick accoutrements: 2.4-inch color screen, a full keyboard, and integrated chat support for AIM, Yahoo! Messenger and Windows Live Messenger. It also boasts a rubber exterior, which can be swapped out to fit its owner's personal color scheme. However, at a $100 discount compared to the full-featured Sidekick 3, it's no surprise that a few luxuries have been scrapped, most notably the camera.

From Engadget


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