Is Google Merchant Extension still needed?

Currently running Version 1.5.2.1

Im trying to set up google merchant with OC, ive noticed a few posts mentioning that an extension is needed to run with googles latest guidelines.

is this still the case or has this been revised in a recent update?

cheers

I know the dev behind this extension. Is good clean code:
http://www.opencart.com/index.php?route ... on_id=2500

1.5.2.1 does have the latest fixes but some of the 3rd party ones add features like images and stuff.