The service, called Google Talk, is available on Windows to Google Gmail customers and offers free PC to PC voice calls.

Google Talk requires speakers and a microphone, or a computer-ready headset. Because Google Talk requires a Gmail username and password, the service also includes an invitation for others to open a Gmail account.

Georges Harik, director, product management at Google, said: "At Google, we're continually investing in areas where we can make technological change, and we recognise the importance of efficient instant communications and information exchange."

"Google Talk further enriches our users' communications experience, whether they choose to communicate via email, IM, or a call.”

Google Talk users can also exchange IMs using any client that offers access, including Trillian, Adium, iChat, GAIM, and Psi.

Meanwhile, internet telephony service Skype has said it will allow its instant messaging to be built into websites and software applications such as online gaming and ecommerce tools. For more information, visit http://share.skype.com/share/developer_blog/.

www.google.com/talk

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