Gmail has introduced a new Labs feature that allows users to send SMS text messaages to their contacts directly from Gmail. This will help stay in touch with people you have been chatting with in Gmail if they are away from their computer.

To utilize this feature:

1. Click on Settings
2. Got to the Labs tab
3. Scroll down until you see "Text Messaging (SMS) in Chat"
4. Select Enable
5. Save Changes

Universal Music Group and instant messaging and group chat provider Meebo have partnered up to offer an interactive experience between users and musicians. If you are not familiar with Meebo, it allows users to sign in through other services like AIM, Yahoo Messenger, Google Talk, and MSN Web Messenger.

AOL’s social software provider Userplane updated its Chat App so that users can access it from any open platform social network. In English, that means users can chat across social networks like MySpace, Facebook, Friendster, Ning, Bebo, and others.

Facebook is gradually launching its new chat feature, the social network announced over the weekend via the Facebook Blog.

Facebook’s IM application appears as a chat bar at the bottom of your browser and does not require installation.  The chat bar gives users access to current chat windows, online friends list, notifications, chat settings, and online status.