Filed under: Internet, Windows, Macintosh, Linux, Google, Freeware, Social Software
While Google’s GTalk messaging application is currently Windows only, shankri-la points out that similar functionality can be reached by using Mozilla’s beta project, Prism, to create a standalone web application.
After Prism is installed, run the program and enter the following line as the application URL:
https://talkgadget.google.com/talkgadget/client
Next, give your application a uRL, like “GTalk,” and choose your shortcut locations. You’ll then have a GTalk/Prism web application that runs separately from your regular web browser (which is helpful for keeping conversations on a separate monitor or to prevent accidental quitting of the application during web use).
Signing in to your newly-created gadget will present you with your contact list and basic GTalk instant messaging. You won’t be able to do fancy things like send files or use the music status functions, but you’ll be able to group chat, use emoticons, and save your chat history (if you’ve enabled that preference in your Gmail settings).
We know you could use the Google Talk within Gmail or use a Jabber client for Mac/Linux to connect, but using Prism to create a web app can create a better workflow for some users. You won’t have to keep a Gmail tab open for IM, and you won’t mistakenly quit Firefox when you’re done browsing on another tab (which would close your IM session as well).
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