A new Google gadget lets users embed the company's Talk instant-messaging service in web pages, expanding the reach of the product, which was originally introduced as a downloadable PC application.

The Google Talk Gadget, released on Wednesday, displays a Flash-based interface on web pages for users to exchange text messages with people on their Google Talk contacts list. Unlike the Talk PC application, the gadget requires no software download. It loads automatically with the web page it's on.

"This is definitely a smart move on Google's part to promote and increase Talk's exposure," says industry analyst Greg Sterling of Sterling Market Intelligence.

Full article: Computerworld