WebProNews

Google's barebones IM service has received a minor release update, taking it from 1.0.0.64 to 1.0.0.66.

According to Philipp Lenssen of Google Blogoscoped, the update appears to be inconsequential, at least on the surface. Apparently, the changes that were made are not very noticeable. In fact, Phillip asked for comments from anyone who knows what Google changed or fixed in their much-discussed chat client.

As with most Google applications, the update is probably done automatically by Google, although my version remains at .64. Seeing how the Google Toolbar updates itself, it's a safe guess that their IM would too, which to some is reminiscent of a spyware-like service. However, number 11 of the Google Talk TOS agreement says:Automatic Updates. The Google Talk Client may communicate with Google's servers to check for available updates to the software, including bug fixes, patches, enhanced functions, missing plug-ins and new versions (collectively, "Updates"). During this process, the Client sends Google a request for the latest version information. By installing Google Talk, you hereby agree to automatically request and receive Updates from Google's servers.

Chris Richardson is a search engine writer and editor for WebProNews. Visit WebProNews for the latest search news.