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Google may be readying unified messaging service called Babble

Posted: , by Michael H.

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Google may be readying unified messaging service called Babble
When we first saw this icon, it was in regards to Chrome OS. The icon had popped up for some Chrome OS users who were on the dev channel, but it was unclear exactly what it was. From the icon alone, it seemed to be a unified messaging service, and new reports say that's exactly what it is. Apparently, Google might be getting ready to release a unified messaging service, called Babble.

The idea that it was the logo of a unified messaging service came from the fact that not only does the logo look like chat bubbles, but Google has been careful to color coordinate different messaging services. Gmail Talk/G+ Chat has been blue, Google+ Messenger has been red, and Google+ Hangouts have been yellow. But, while Babble could unify all of those services, word has it that Babble is being built completely fresh and new from the ground up. 

The idea is that Google wants to unify all of the different options into one chat window, although to be fair, the only one that's out on its own right now is the group messaging option of Google+ Messenger, which is only available through the mobile app. Hangouts are already a part of Google Talk through Gmail, and video calls are available through the Android Talk app.

The difference is that all of the different services use different protocols. Talk has been built on XMPP, G+ Messenger isn't cross platform, and Hangouts and GTalk video calls aren't the same thing. Google wants to bring them all together, so you can chat, share photos, and video call on any platform, and have your conversations threaded and synced all throughout. 

Some are saying that Babble will be a competitor to Apple's iMessage or BlackBerry Messenger, but we don't agree. We'd say the real competition here is Facebook. Apple's iMessage and BBM may have similar feature sets, but they are only available on proprietary hardware from Apple or BlackBerry. Google seems to be set on bringing Babble not just to Android, but to Chrome OS and beyond. If Babble ultimately takes over for Gmail Talk/G+ Chat, it would be available on any platform. And, you can never count out Google building an iOS app. 

The only other unified messaging system that is cross-platform is Facebook, although of course Facebook takes it a step father by integrating e-mail into its messaging system as well. Google would likely keep Gmail separate, and just bring together chat, video, and group messaging, but of course Google's offerings with Hangouts has far more options than Facebook's video chat. 

Rumor has it that the new service will be announced at Google I/O and will include apps for Android and Chrome OS. No word on release, but usually if something is announced at I/O, it's released around the same time. 

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1. StringCheese01 posted on 19 Mar 2013, 23:08 6

O RLY??? Finally!! Maybe that's why nothing new has come of Google Voice in over 1.5 years

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3. MichaelHeller posted on 19 Mar 2013, 23:27 5

Don't get too excited. There's no indication that Voice is a part of Babble.

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7. Silpher posted on 19 Mar 2013, 23:59

Yeah, exactly what I was thinking... If everything's color coded, where's the white speech bubble with blue receiver in this new icon...?

Even if not though, it's a step in the right direction.

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2. vandroid posted on 19 Mar 2013, 23:13 3 19

Google+ is so annoying

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4. MichaelHeller posted on 19 Mar 2013, 23:27 24

Why? I quite like it.

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5. Jphones posted on 19 Mar 2013, 23:45 11

Google+ is great communities and just more substance then facebook

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8. Rydsmith posted on 20 Mar 2013, 00:12 11

I actually REALLY like G+ compared to FB.

Google needs to truly integrate G+ into Android to the point it is in the foundation of Anroid. Getting people from FB to G+ as their primary source of social media will be a daunting task but I think it's completely possible if they become aggresive and shove down the Android user's throat.

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12. sss_ddk posted on 20 Mar 2013, 01:12 1 3

I can't rate an App and leave a comment without leaving my real name and possibly my photo through G+. I get a static useless top icon in the drop down list in JB with my name on it, because of this deeper integration of G+.Why would i want deeper G+ integartion into Android?

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19. Gdrye posted on 21 Mar 2013, 01:22 1

the only problem is we have to get everyone off facebook and put them on google+. but agreed, so much better than facebook

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9. SleepingOz posted on 20 Mar 2013, 00:26 12

I find G+ better than Facebook. It's just that the people aren't there..

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10. Sniggly posted on 20 Mar 2013, 00:36 1 6

Bulls**t they aren't, son.

Check out "What's Hot" (on the app) or "Explore" (on laptop/desktop). You'll find plenty of activity.

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15. KingKurogiii posted on 20 Mar 2013, 09:37 2

you know what he means...

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16. Jyakotu posted on 20 Mar 2013, 11:41 1

He means HIS people aren't there. Yes, G+ has plenty of strangers and tech geeks that hate Facebook there, but Google toutes G+ as connecting with YOUR friends, not strangers. That's what Twitter is for. LOL

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6. Sniggly posted on 19 Mar 2013, 23:56 4

...They do know that Babble is also kinda the name of an adult hookup site, right?

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11. datsyuk posted on 20 Mar 2013, 00:39 1 1

This is amazing news! To be honest the only thing I love about iOs is iMessage. To be honest it's fantastic, really quick and much better than standard SMS. Been waiting for this for a long time!

Plus my Galaxy Nexus would literally take 48 hours even longer some times sending MMS. Could never figure that out.

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14. Jonathan41 posted on 20 Mar 2013, 08:58 2

GOOGLE ALL THE THINGS!

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17. dragonscourgex posted on 20 Mar 2013, 11:44 1

I think this is a good call by Google.

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18. Zero0 posted on 20 Mar 2013, 14:41 3

This is pretty much necessary.

Also, a unified Android messaging app needs to be made. Email, text, and whatever the heck Google is working on in one app.

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20. Rydsmith posted on 21 Mar 2013, 23:38 1

They can call it, "Android Hub"

(I kid, I kid)

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