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New "invisible" mode in Gmail chat

Jérôme Flipo [PersonRank 10]

Saturday, February 23, 2008
16 years ago44,646 views

I've discovered a gray icon for the "invisible" status in the Gmail chat. I'm not sure that's new but it's the first time I notice it.

Obviously, we can end the "visibility" mode with the "You are invisible. Go visible" link, without having to use the drop-down menu.

I like this feature and I also like that Gmail doesn't allow to select the "iddle" status, since the "avaible/busy/invisible" trio is enough. The "iddle" mode is automaticaly put when the browser is inactive or used from another tab (to be confirmed).

Keith Chan [PersonRank 10]

16 years ago #

Some screenshots:

http://bp0.blogger.com/_E0dlF4_71TI/R7_N_xmsdwI/AAAAAAAAEGU/YSFpTQSwZR0/s400/gmail-chat-invisible.png

If you are using Google Talk at the same time, then you would see this message and still be "visible":
http://bp0.blogger.com/_E0dlF4_71TI/R7_QRxmsdzI/AAAAAAAAEGs/6u-8hBY0ffQ/s400/gmail-chat-invisible-oops.png

Jérôme Flipo [PersonRank 10]

16 years ago #

Contrary to Live Messenger, you can stay "invisible" while chatting.
Pretty cool when working with en2zh[put at-character here]bot.talk.google.com!

Ben Allen [PersonRank 10]

16 years ago #

You can still chat in Live Messenger while appearing offline. Come on now.

Mrrix32 [PersonRank 10]

16 years ago #

I use Meebo ATM, if Google sync'ed its features between the three IMs (and you could add MSN, like with AOL) then I might be tempted to switch back.

Bilal [PersonRank 10]

16 years ago #

I wonder why someone like to stay invisible and hope to see the others if they are connected or no ... cach
i only need available / busy ...
may it is useful for who like to play Hide & Seek online ;)

shady [PersonRank 3]

16 years ago #

can you be invisible using aim through gmail?

David Hetfield [PersonRank 10]

16 years ago #

How come this feature doesn't appear on Google Talk? :/

Shonzilla [PersonRank 1]

16 years ago #

It isn't available for all GMail users, just as it always seems to be the case with new features in Google web apps. They may be still performing tests and/or it takes for the feature to be distributed across their server farms.

Anyone from Google to confirm?

Shonzilla [PersonRank 1]

16 years ago #

It appears to work for me now. :-)

Jared Cherup [PersonRank 10]

16 years ago #

[put at-character here] David: Invisibility used to be a feature when Google Talk first premiered. It was taken away shortly thereafter.

Freeman [PersonRank 0]

16 years ago #

You make my day!

David Hetfield [PersonRank 10]

16 years ago #

[put at-character here]Jared:
Any idea why? :/

Philipp Lenssen [PersonRank 10]

16 years ago #

Here's Google's blog post on this now, I'll try ask them if this will also be rolled out for the Google Talk gadget (where I currently don't see it unfortunately)...

http://gmailblog.blogspot.com/2008/02/invisible-mode-is-here-for-gmail-chat.html

photoactive [PersonRank 10]

16 years ago #

Nice nod to Ionut's point there!

Philipp Lenssen [PersonRank 10]

16 years ago #

Google's Jonas says: "We plan to make invisible available in all our Talk clients."

David Hetfield [PersonRank 10]

16 years ago #

Yesss!!!
Thanks Philipp :D

Jérôme Flipo [PersonRank 10]

16 years ago #

The client isn't dead!
http://googlesystem.blogspot.com/2007/05/phone-calls-in-google-talk.html

Jérôme Flipo [PersonRank 10]

16 years ago #

Old news... http://blogoscoped.com/forum/96373.html

Ionut Alex. Chitu [PersonRank 10]

16 years ago #

Please read again.

Murty BVNS [PersonRank 1]

16 years ago #

I think it is always better to discuss a topic in context with a particular build of software. My Google Talk also dont have this invisible feature so far. I am using 1.0.0.104 and which build you are talking about ?

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