Microsoft adds Google Talk support to Outlook.com

We've previously touched on Microsoft's new email service, Outlook.com. The service has replaced Hotmail and offers advanced functionality along with a refreshed user interface to better match Windows 8 and other products. As well as checking through email, users can also chat with Facebook and Skype contacts in the sidebar. Microsoft has now implemented support for Google Talk.

Users will be prompted to connect their Google account when opening the Messaging pane. Once logged in and permissions set, Google contacts will be displayed in the People contact manager for convenient access. It's good to see Microsoft making it easier for those who still make use of Google services. If only the same could be said the other way around.

The rollout is currently in progress so don't freak out if you can't yet get cracking. What's more is you won't only be able to chat with other Google contacts in the webmail view, but also the likes of People and SkyDrive. Especially useful for collaborating between files with colleagues for example. But don't get carried away, we know how general gossip and banter can get in the way of productivity. Hello there, procastination.

Source: PC World; thanks, digitalicecream, for the tip!

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Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.