iMessage vs. Google Talk

[Old Member]

Why doesn't Google integrate Google Talk into the text messaging app like iMessage? Surely it can't be that difficult. I never use Google Talk but if they would make it the default text messaging app on Android like iMessage does it would be used all the time. FYI I'm not an Apple guy coming on here to start a flame war, I'm just curious and that is one of the few things I see that Apple has that I want.

Any thoughts?

 

[fdbryant3]

Rumor has it that is what they are planning to do.

 

[gtbarry]

Perhaps google's philosophy is inherently more open at its nature?

I know android is not 100% open. But this might be seen as forcing a google product on android users. I know you need a google account to even begin to use an android device. But once you do, you don't have to use gmail, you don't have to use chrome, you don't have to use google search (regarding searching in the browser), google now, google maps, etc.

Instead of having a universal messaging app and forcing everyone to use one that integrates with google+, your google account, etc. could possibly be seen as a very apple move.

And, yes, screenshots of the next version of chromium has some strange unified messaging icon that no one has seen before.

 

[Old Member]

Perhaps google's philosophy is inherently more open at its nature?

I know android is not 100% open. But this might be seen as forcing a google product on android users. I know you need a google account to even begin to use an android device. But once you do, you don't have to use gmail, you don't have to use chrome, you don't have to use google search (regarding searching in the browser), google now, google maps, etc.

Instead of having a universal messaging app and forcing everyone to use one that integrates with google+, your google account, etc. could possibly be seen as a very apple move.

And, yes, screenshots of the next version of chromium has some strange unified messaging icon that no one has seen before.

I don't think Google should make people use their messaging app like they don't make them use it now. You can replace the stock messaging app with dozens of others on the market. Most/many users don't use it now, they opt for Handcent, Slide Messaging, etc. BUT it would be interesting to see it if they made it an option.

I haven't seen the screenshots of that would you post them for me?

THANKS!

 

[fdbryant3]

I know android is not 100% open.

Actually, Android is 100% open source. That is why Amazon can take it make it look like something completely different and release as the Kindle Fire. It is also why projects like CyanogenMod exsist.

What is not open are the Google Applications (which is what CyanogenMod got in trouble for early on) and carrier custom apps and modifications (unless they choose to make them open).

Contrary to what seems to be popular belief Android runs just fine without Google. However most products integrate the Google applications in order to provide an easy and complete experience to the user. However if you want to put the work into it you can go through and customize Android not to use Google at all.

Anyway, to answer the question as to why there isn't an universal messaging app it is because Google didn't forsee the want or need for it. I suspect it will be a feature of Key Lime Pie (or what ever they call the next version of Android). It might even have a trick or two that will one up Apple. I'm thinking true VoIP integration using Google Voice would be good.

 

[Tim K]

I find Talk and Messaging to be for two entirely different purposes. Talk is a real-time 'chat' service where I can have a live 'conversation' with someone who I know is online and available. Messaging is something I use when I need to drop someone a note to which they can respond when they are available and have time.

I could see how they could be tied together, but quite frankly I think I like them separate.