Mircosoft Outlook.com and Google Chat collaborate

In A rare bit of cooperation, Mircosoft's Outlook.com is giving users of its free email service the option of logging into Google Chat to exchange instant messages and engage in audio or video conversations.

   The tie-in announced yesterday represents an uneasy alliance in the midst of a typically contentious relationship between Mircosoft and Google.

   Both Outlook.com and Google Chat are offered for free as a way for Mircosoft and Google to attract more online traffic to their advertising-supported services. - AP.