Faceboook the only chat option on Microsoft Surface?

[Rob]

In the messaging area it seems that Facebook is the only chat option? I can see why they wouldn't add gTalk or maybe Google just hasn't offered assistance in that department yet, but why not MSN, ICQ, Yahoo, or other messaging solutions?

Also, I love Skype and I see it has its own standalone app, but why not incorporate Skype into the messaging area too?

There is a good chance I am just overlooking or missing something, but curious to hear others opinions or insight.

[Joe F.]

I'm pretty sure Windows Live is also included, but yeah, I really wish gTalk was in there but that will never happen.

[Ashley K.]

I'm sure third party apps will work to fill in the gaps. Right now there's an app called Chat in the store that lets you talk to your GTalk friends. I'm not exactly sure why Microsoft wouldn't just allow Jabber connections, since that's all GTalk is based on and it has anothing to do with Google.

Allowing the protocol would be similar to allowing IRC support.

[Joe F.]

I've been using IM+ for GTalk and it seems to work fine. I hope in Windows Phone 8 third party IM apps work this good too.

[themizarkshow]

I would love, love, love to have gtalk in the message app... but I'm afraid my overall productivity would crash if that were the case. Hopefully they step up their game soon and get some more options added soon. I like using it thus far though.

[LlamaPants]

jitalk for google talk works fine. developers say they're working on updating the app for wp8 so it can have fast resume. nice. only problem i have is a bunch of friends use whatsapp and no whatsapp yet. lame.

[tripdoc79]

im sure they will update this, at release of Win8, the mail app only gave you access to gmail, live, outlook, and other, but since release they have added support for Aol and yahoo. Im sure they are working on adding all the places people want to see, just take time. I agree with the Gtalk issue, to bad they cant put aside the bs and give everyone access.