Update: It seems that Google did remove the functions we mentioned in this post.
Updated from Google:
We wanted to offer you more control over who you can chat with in Google Plus. So we’ve made a change that requires you to explicitly invite people in order for them to appear in your chat list. For Gmail, Orkut and iGoogle users, we’ll continue to include the people who you can already chat with in those properties.
Original Post
The other day using Google + I started using gmail chat which I got the option to include everyone in my circles into my GTalk contacts. A few hours later I got a message from Steven (a member of Kitchen Table Companies → Affiliate Link) asking me how did I on how I adding myself to his Gtalk contacts.
I quickly ran him through the steps and he gave me a few reasons why this could really help him use even more GPlus. (many of them where on the business side).
Adding Your Google+ Circles to Gtalk
If you go to the chat area on your left side of your Google+ screen you will see an arrow giving you the option to see your Circles, Setting, or to Log Out of Gtalk.
If you click on Circles you will get the options to choose the circles you want to chat with. This automatically enables the people in your circle to see that you are online.
Something you have to take into consideration when enabling your circles in Gtalk is the fact that people might be able to discover your email address. So make sure you only enable people you trust.
If you need to adjust setting of your Gtalk you can also do that by hitting the chat settings button.
This integration on Google+ will help me keep in touch with many of my contacts that I had lost touch for a while since I hardly use Gtalk.
What other benefits and/or disadvantages do you see in having Gtalk integrated with your circles?
Steve Campbell says
Great Post Raul – I was able to follow the instructions and get the KTC group added as well.
Raul Colon says
Steve,
Thanks for sparking the idea.Have an awesome Sunday!
Harald Steindl says
Interestingly I dont see the circles option you show in the top most graphic! Hmm, what now?
Raul Colon says
Harald,
Good point I have to say that it appears to have changed. I am going to have to do the research and see what happened.
Thanks for the heads up!
Gino says
Do you have to have a gmail account to set up Google Circles ?