Google is now allowing users to sign up for a “Google Account” without having a Gmail address. This means that if you want to use Google’s chat application, Google Talk, you no longer need to have a Gmail account for access.

Reasons to use Google Talk:

• anyone can use the service (Gmail accounts no longer required)
• free and crystal clear voice calls to your friends and family anywhere in the world
• transfer files and folders to others
• free voicemail messages (MEEP!)
• IM from your BlackBerry

Visit Google’s Google Talk sign-up page for more information.