How to get Google Talk access on an Orange-branded HTC Desire

As you may know, UK network Orange decided for some extremely odd reason, to REMOVE the Google Talk app from the HTC Desires it’s been selling in the UK, meaning users who bought the phone through Orange find themselves shockingly Talk-less.

Plus, Google Talk is not available to download as an individual app via the Android Market, making the situation one HUGE MESS for anyone who bought a Desire through Orange and wants to use the commonplace chat app.

BUT HELP IS AT HAND!

google talk android orange desire apk

If you head over to the Android Forums, a kind user has tracked down a copy of the default Google Talk APK and is hosting it for the benefit of any Orange users in need. Download it, install it with a file manager, and away you go.

With thanks to reader Robin for the heads-up.

UPDATE:
Just in case that forum download link dies, we’re re-hosting the Google Talk APK file here.  We’ll be able to sleep easier knowing it’s there.

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