Google is widening its scope again, a few days ago it presented a desktop sidebar, now it announced a brand new instant messenger – Google Talk. They have also included the possibility to take voice calls.

Google Talk is really bad news for Skype. Although, Google Talk does not have the features that make money for Skye (i.e. Skype out), it is just a matter of time when these services are included also in Talk. Yes, Skype has some edge, they were the first in the market, but Google has enormous amount of money. And Google has "Google". That's why Google Talk will probably get more downloads in the first day than some other applications during their lifetime.

If Rupert Murdoch's $3 billion offer for Skype was not a rumour, I think Skype's venture capitalists lost their best opportunity to sell it.

See also:
Subzero Blue: Google Talk
Ambot ah!: Google Talk, the next best IM?
Connected Internet News: New Google Desktop - I'm not impressed
kottge.org: GoogleOS? YahooOS? MozillaOS? WebOS?

Coverage of $3 billion offer for Skype:
Asia Business Consulting: News Corp wants Skype - and what is their intention?
loose wire: Was the News Corp Offer for Skype Real?
Good Morning Silicon Valley: Fine, I'll just set aside the $3 billion for the bloody toll calls to Lachlan