Google Instant Messaging Service Expected

Google Inc., the most-used Internet search engine, may add a free service as early as this week that lets people send instant messages and make telephone calls through their computers. The service will let users connect calls on their computers and talk with a microphone and speakers or a headset, six analysts including Piper Jaffray's Safa Rashtchy in Menlo Park, California, said yesterday, citing speculation among industry contacts. The service eventually may be expanded to connect calls from computers to landlines, they said. The service, which also includes a feature to send written instant messages, will probably be free and may come out this week, Rashtchy said. Other analysts including IDC's William Stofega expect the product to debut within the next month. Google spokesman Nathan Tyler didn't return a phone call seeking comment. source--New York times