Reports have speculated that Gmail users will soon gain access to more ways of making sure that they are keeping up with their friends, all thanks to a new widget that Google will be unveiling, which would show instant status updates, much like Facebook and Twitter do.

With the development, Gmail, which has already been responsible for revolutionizing online e-mail, will be turned into a comprehensive communications hub. The company's aim is to make sure that Google becomes the center of people's attention, and they turn to Gmail, and not Facebook, as soon as they get online. With the new widget, Google is looking to make Gmail the default platform for people to send and receive messages.

Currently, Gmail users can already chat via Jabber or AIM, make video calls and send text messages from Gmail's Internet interface.

Although complete details about the new widget are still unknown, Google has called for a launch event on Tuesday, and all eyes are on the same now. Reporters from all reputable places have been invited, and the company has promised "some innovations in two of our most popular products".