The latest update of Google Talk, Google’s instant messaging client, adds file transfer, voicemail and music status.

Google Talk have specifically requested the file transfer feature as the top request for future releases. With this new version, Google Talk users can share any type of files or even file folders including all contents and sub-directories. The transfers can easily be initiated by simply dragging and dropping the files or folders onto a chat window. The user on the other end has to click “Accept” and the files are transferred.

In order to reach the fastest speed available, Google Talk makes a direct connection between the sending and the receiving computer.

“And even if your super-secure firewall won’t allow a direct connection, we’ll still get it there at a decent speed, because we’re nice like that,” said Brian McBarron, a Google software engineer.

Another new feature is the ability to leave voice mail message if the recipient is not online or away from the computer. Users can also record voice notes and send them to any email address, not just Google Talk contacts.

Google Talk also incorporates now a music status feature which displays whatever music the user is playing as their online status. Users can also choose to contribute their music tastes to Google Music Trends, and check out what Google Talk users are listening across the world.

You can download Google Talk from this [1] webpage. If your computer runs Windows 2000 or XP. You can also find instructions for connecting to Google Talk using a Mac or Linux IM client at [2] this address.