Google Inc. is planning to launch its own instant messaging system, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The instant messaging program is expected to launch within the week and is believed to be called Google Talk.

The Los Angeles Times reported that Google Talk is predicted to go beyond text messaging and will enable users to hold voice conversations with other Google Talk users.

The launch of Google's instant messaging will put the company in competition with Skype, which has its own combined computer text and voice-calling service. AOL also recently released AIM Sync, a free add-on for Microsoft Outlook 2002 and 2003. Therefore, Google's move into the instant messaging increases its competitive stance against other major portals such as AOL, who has take steps to augment their own IM services.

Google declined to comment on the company's plans for the predicted instant messaging program and if they will be serving ads on it.