Google Talk? What's this? Is Google getting in on the Internet telephony craze? Yes they are! The search giant now offers a beta version download of Google Talk at no charge. http://www.google.com/talk/

Google Talk allows users to IM or make calls over the Internet using a PC, speakers and microphone, again; no charge. The new Google software can be downloaded by anyone with Windows 2000 platform or later.

Of course you can only call or IM other people who have downloaded the Google Talk software. Both parties need to have a Gmail account to log onto the Google Talk messenger.

Those who don't already have a Gmail account can request an invitation via mobile-phone. https://www.google.com/accounts/SmsMailSignup1 . People who don't have a cell-phone will need to have someone with an account send a Gmail invitation.

Google has made it fairly convenient to add people to the contacts list of the messenger. Invitations are sent directly from the messenger or from the user's Gmail account. There is no limit to the number of users one can have on their contact list.

With that being said, I decided to give Google Talk a spin myself. The UI is easy to use and understand, with Internet calling, instant messaging, e-mail, and of course, Related Sites. There are no ad's to clutter the Interface, which is refreshing.

The user control's again are pretty cut and dry, it is a bit plain looking, however; this in my opinion add's to it's usability. Other than an absence of ad's, the only thing new about this is the fact it is from Google.

All in all, Google Talk is a pretty good messenger. If you have a distaste for banner ad's or pop up's every time you start your messenger, "G" Talk should be a welcome change of pace.