The mega-company Google announced and launched its rendition of social networking on Tuesday, Feb. 9, in the form of Google Buzz.
Gmail users may have noticed the addition of the Buzz tab and its multi-colored bubble while routinely checking mail, but what about everyone else left wondering what the buzz is all about.
Google Buzz allows users to effortlessly connect and interact with what is around them through posting messages, photos, videos or links. I know what you are thinking; ‘Oh fun, another social networking medium to consume more of my valuable time,’ because, let’s be honest, who has time to keep up with them all? Although it is similar to other networking sites, Buzz has the ability to integrate and connect with some of them, such as Twitter. Buzz Mobile, however, is where Google plans to take the upper hand on its competition.
Google Buzz is taking advantage of this smart phone era and allowing users to stay connected while on the go. Mobile Buzz uses your smart phone and integrates with Google maps to put your surrounding environment practically in your pocket. So now, if you want to check out that restaurant that you have previously been unsure about, you can see what others may have buzzed regarding the menu, the atmosphere or even the service. Or if you want to check out what is popular and buzz-worthy in your immediate area, resort to mobile Buzz and get some insight to what people are doing.
As of now, Android 2.0+ phones and Apple’s iPhone fully support Google Buzz and all its features. Blackberrys, the Nokia S90 and Windows Mobile phones all plan to acquire the Buzz soon.
However, like most things that are rushed into the consumer’s hand, Google Buzz does have a flaw in that privacy takes a backseat. By, default Buzz discloses a list of names of Gmail contacts that the user frequently emailed or chatted with, revealing potentially sensitive information for users who are unaware of this feature. And although some measures have been taken to correct this, the mobile version also has privacy issues. When a user posts anything from their mobile phone, their exact location is displayed along with the post; you can see how this could be potentially compromising.
All in all, Google Buzz, with its innovative vision and unique integration capabilities, is a good alternative to other social networks or a nice addition to the many you already have. But don’t take my word for it; go see for yourself what the buzz is about.
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