Google introduces group IM for Gmail

It’s a day of experiments and feature upgrades for Google users. On top of an experimental voting option in Google search, Gmail users can now do instant message chats in groups.

Here’s how it works. Log into Gmail, then use its chat feature and start chatting with someone. Go to the “options” button in the chat window. Select the “group chat” option. You’ll then be given a part of the window where you invite other Gmail users to chat.

Each person needs to choose to join the group chat.

People have been wanting this feature since Google first introduced IM to Gmail. It is competing against other group chat services, like 37 Signal’s Campfire group chat.

Google has also added more emoticons, for serious IM users.

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