Expanding on services associated with a well-received name brand can be a risky move. You run the risk of neglecting what made you popular in the first place. However, when you have the track record of Google (the Google-touch?), expanding business horizons can also solidify a company’s position, although, since Google began to expand their operations, every move has been scrutinized and criticized like no other.
Is Google Preparing An IM Client?
Is Google getting ready to release instant message capabilities? Discuss some of your IM adventures on WebProWorld.
Undaunted and seemingly unaffected by negative criticism, Google continues to introduce new services, and programs. 2004 has seen the release of their email service, Gmail; they also bought Picasa, an image software company; and the Google Desktop Search utility was just recently made available.
Even though Google has been busy with its various programs, there have been rumors of two major items that may be forthcoming from the company. The first being the Google web browser and the second is an instant messaging service. While speculation concerning the Google browser remains just that, (in fact, the development of the G-browser has been practically denied), an entry into the instant messaging universe appears to be something of a reality.
All of this talk about Google and instant messages began in earnest when Google completed the Picasa purchase. Included in the image software is a program called Hello, which is Picasa’s client that allows you to share photos amongst a buddy list. According to the InsideGoogle blog: “Do you want an instant messenger from Google? Well, Hello is an instant messenger, complete with buddy lists and bots and smilies and sounds. The difference is that Hello is optimized for sending photos”
However, the speculation does not stop at Picasa’s photo-sharing ability. An article written by Stephanie Olsen (pointed out by Rustybrick) discusses some interesting finds that originate from Google’s new Desktop Search utility. According to her article, security consultant Richard Smith inspected the source code of Google’s Desktop Search and found “included in the program files a new protocol: google_im://…” Because the GDS searches other instant message conversations like AIM, this discovery led many to believe that Google is preparing to release an IM client.
The Google IM has been discounted in several areas, including Stephanie’s article, although that rarely means that development work isn’t being done. On WebmasterWorld, Teknorat also shared doubtful thoughts by saying, “I don’t think “google_im://.” is any indication of Google’s IM plans. However I do think G would be wise to explore this area. Hello is really more suited towards photo sharing and doesn’t have much other use.”
Reaction to the idea of Google IM client has, of course, run the gamut from disinterested to excited, etc. Although, the idea of AdWords flavored IM conversations is certainly intriguing. How would Google determine relevancy here? Without proper filters, personal conversations are sure to yield some interesting advertisements.
This topic was also discussed at the Digital Point Forums a while back. During this thread, several posters thought the idea of a Google Instant Messenger was an inevitable move for the company, if only to keep up with their competition. The idea of having real time ads with conversations discussed here as well. Due to the timing and contextual nature of instant messages others wondered how Google would accomplish the aspect of serving content-based ads.
A poster named Bobafind had this idea, “Most likely there would have to be a client side filter for all those common Hi, how are you, are you home, wanna cyber…’ *shudders*- words and phrases. Then, when a real keyword came up, that’s when the ads would show up. So maybe one or 2 or five per minute – not that much different than a browsing session.” Filtering content would be key considering that there are restrictions on what kind of ads Google will display. Instant messages content could also lead to some embarrassing ads being displayed.
How Google plans to filter content for suitable ads remains to be seen, as has any confirmation of an instant message client. Although, it does stand to reason that Google would be interested in finding other areas in which they can display their ultra-succe$$ful AdWords offerings, while giving their loyal users another gadget bearing their logo.
Chris Richardson is a search engine writer and editor for murdok. Visit murdok for the latest search news.
