Welcome to Google Talk Labs Edition

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Google Talk, Labs Edition?
2. Is there a link to a Mac/Linux version of Google Talk, Labs Edition?
3. Is Google Talk, Labs Edition compatible with Windows Vista?
4. Is Google Talk, Labs Edition available in any other languages?
5. Some features from the original Google Talk client are missing. What happened to them?
6. Where do I download the non-Labs version of the Google Talk client?
7. I can't tell the difference between the Labs and non-Labs Talk icons in my systray! What do I do?
8. My systray icon indicates that I have new mail! How do I know how many messages are waiting?
9. What does "Allow Google Talk, Labs Edition to collect anonymous usage statistics" mean?
10. What does "Make Gmail my default mail client" mean?
11. I have a question about some core Google Talk features (adding/blocking a contact, changing status message, etc.)
12. How do I stop getting Google Calendar notifications in the browser and on the desktop?
13. What happens when I click the "Snooze" link on a Google Calendar notification?
14. How do I know I have the latest version of Google Talk, Labs Edition?
15. I love/hate feature X/Y! Who do I contact?
16. Where can I go to discuss Google Talk Labs Edition with other users?

1. What is Google Talk, Labs Edition?

   Google Talk, Labs Edition is an experimental release of the Google Talk client. It has many of the same great features as the Google Talk Gadget, including instant messaging, emoticons, and group chat. Google Talk, Labs Edition also comes with new desktop notifications from Calendar, Orkut, and Gmail.

2. Is there a link to a Mac/Linux version of Google Talk, Labs Edition?

   Currently, Google Talk, Labs Edition is only available for Windows PCs.

3. Is Google Talk, Labs Edition compatible with Windows Vista?

   Yes.

4. Is Google Talk, Labs Edition available in any other languages?

   Google Talk, Labs Edition is currently available in English only.

5. Some features from the original Google Talk client are missing. What happened to them?

   Google Talk, Labs Edition is an experimental release that brings some of the great features of the Google Talk Gadget to the desktop. Some features like voice calling and file transfer from the Google Talk client did not make it into this version. If you need to use voice calling or file transfer, you can download the original Google Talk client here: http://www.google.com/talk

6. Where do I download the non-Labs version of the Google Talk client?

   You can still find the original Google Talk client here: http://www.google.com/talk

7. I can't tell the difference between the Labs and non-Labs Talk icons in my systray! What do I do?

   We recommend only using the Google Talk client OR Google Talk, Labs Edition at any one time. You can tell them apart by hovering your mouse over the icon for a few seconds - the name ("Google Talk" or "Google Talk, Labs Edition") will appear.

8. My systray icon indicates that I have new mail! How do I know how many messages are waiting?

   If you hover your mouse over the Talk+Gmail icon in your systray for a few seconds, a message will appear that tells you how many unread conversations you have.

9. What does "Allow Google Talk, Labs Edition to collect anonymous usage statistics" mean?

   "Usage statistics" refers to information automatically sent to Google to help us figure out how well the Google Talk, Labs Edition is working and help us improve it in future versions.

   This includes technical information such as the number of notifications received and the frequency Google Talk, Labs Edition features are used. These statistics don't include information such as your name or your email address. Google collects this data in aggregate and uses it according to our Privacy Policy to improve our products and services.

   During the installation process, we give you the option to help us improve Google Talk, Labs Edition by sending usage statistics. If you elect to send this information but later change your mind, you can disable this feature from the options menu in the system tray.

10. What does "Make Gmail my default mail client" mean?

    Selecting this option will cause Gmail to appear in your default browser when you click on email links.

11. I have a question about some core Google Talk features (adding/blocking a contact, changing status message, etc.)

    The interface for Google Talk, Labs Edition is very similar to other currently available versions of Google Talk. Please click here to see if you question can also be answered there: http://www.google.com/support/talk/?hl=en

12. How do I stop getting Google Calendar notifications in the browser and on the desktop?

    One of the great benefits of having Google Calendar notifications on your desktop is that you no longer need to keep Google Calendar open to be reminded of upcoming appointments. If you ever need a quick peek at your schedule, you can access Google Calendar directly by clicking on the Talk systray icon and selecting "Launch Google Calendar" - this will open up Google Calendar in your default browser.

13. What happens when I click the "Snooze" link on a Google Calendar notification?

    Clicking on "Snooze" will dismiss the Calendar notification for 5 minutes, after which the notification will appear on your desktop again.

14. How do I know I have the latest version of Google Talk, Labs Edition?

    Google Talk, Labs Edition automatically updates itself to ensure you have the latest features and fixes available. However, it will wait until the next time Google Talk, Labs Edition starts to use a newer version if it is available. If you have not restarted Google Talk, Labs Edition in a long time, try exiting and starting it again - you may already have a newer version waiting for you!

15. I love/hate feature X/Y! Who do I contact?

    We'd love to hear from you! Please email us at labs+googletalk@google.com

16. Where can I go to discuss Google Talk Labs Edition with other users?

    Please visit our Google group dedicated to discussing this release.