I downloaded and installed Google Talk Labs Edition last night. It’s a desktop application for Google Talk, similar to the Google Talk client that I have been using up to recently (as opposed to what you ask … well … as opposed to chatting inside GMail of course).

What I don’t understand is why Google would insist on releasing two almost identical versions of the same client instead of just one that boasts the features of both.

Google Talk Pro’s:

• Multiple chats in one window or as separate windows
• File sharing (only if the other party has the same client installed)
• Chat history is saved in GMail (thus it is searchable)
• GMail notifications
• Audible alerts

Google Talk Labs Edition Pro’s:

• Multiple tabs – one window
• Chat history update after idle
• Group chat
• GMail, Google Calendar & Orkut updates

Those being the highlights in my opinion. What makes Labs Edition frustrating is that I have very little control over customising the client. I prefer having chats open in separate windows, I find it extremely annoying that I cannot set an audio alert for a new IM or when a contact comes online and the file sharing would have been a really nice touch.

All in all it certainly looks polished and I suppose I can get used to it. The GMail styled smilies are a nice touch too; something that I missed with the Google Talk client … plain text emotes just doesn’t cut it I’m afraid.

I’d love to see Google implement some of the features of Google Talk in Labs Edition. Everyone knows how much I love Google and all the wonderful tools they spoil us with and this could be a real keeper if they combine the two. GMail Chat is already a winner in my books due to the fact that I can access it from anywhere as long as I can log into my GMail account. Now just fix my desktop version please.