08.24.05
Google Talk
I’m getting really tired of all the crazy rumors lately turning into reality. Though, in this case, it really feels like a viral marketing job. I mean, who has so much time on their hands that they notice new Google sub-domains and then decided to telnet to 5222, just for kicks?
Anyway… to the interesting bits…
From the Google Talk FAQ:
“4. Do you plan to support other real-time communication protocols?
Google Talk supports XMPP with the beta release. We plan to support SIP in a future release. Additionally, we will evaluate other protocols as appropriate, to continue to deliver on our commitment to open communications.
5. What protocols are used for voice calls?
Google Talk supports a custom XMPP-based signaling protocol and peer-to-peer communication mechanism. We will fully document this protocol. In the near future, we plan to support SIP signaling.”
(emphasis mine)
Holy shit. Before long “Google me” will have a totally different meaning.
If you don’t know, SIP is what VOIP phones use in many cases. You know, like the cable company phone systems, or Vonage. And if you can’t wait for Google to implement it, they’ll give you the info you need to interoperate with the way things are now. I can’t wait until Adium has voice support. Hell, I wonder if iChat to iChat over Google Talk’s servers works right now for voice chatting. Probably not.
So, eventually, “Google me” could mean call me. 
Google, please add video. Please. So I can have something on my mac that will talk to hardware H.323 phones.
Update: Better, yet. Once they enable federation, Gizmo will be able to voice call Google Talk users. That gets me voice calls to Windows schmucks. Rock the fuck on.