Tuesday, March 9, Google released their newest Gmail application, Google Buzz. This is a major attempt from Google to compete in the ever-growing social media universe. Google Buzz has several similar features as Facebook and Twitter. However, it also offers some new interactive and mobile features that may really generate some buzz.
Bradley Horowitz, Google’s vice president for product management, stated, “It’s becoming harder and harder to find signal in the noise.” while he introduced the product on Tuesday.
Google Buzz incorporates many of the features social media lovers are already used to, while also coming up with some new features that, I must admit, seem pretty cool. Google Buzz provides links to social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. It also has the ability to instantly display thumbnails of photos when linked to Flickr. It also has custom privacy setting similar to Facebook. Also, Google Buzz features the instant “@” reply feature like Twitter.
Goggle Buzz has many of the same features other social media sites provide, but what separates it from other social media sites is its mobile features. Buzz can locate where you are through mobile GPS. This allows the “Nearby” feature to work. This feature shows what people in a certain radius are doing on Buzz at the time. Buzz also has voice recognition and can post straight to your Buzz page in real-time. One of the most interesting features is the layering of Google Maps with Buzz. Conversation bubbles will appear on Google maps to show what people nearby are saying.
Google Buzz is definitely making some noise among social media experts. Scott Meyer, Chief Outreach Officer at 9 Clouds, Inc., stated, “Google Buzz made a big splash and as it is a part of the Google giant, it is worth taking note. It stumbled out of the gate with major privacy issues and by invading what many consider sacred space: the email inbox. Google Buzz will be a force as it already has millions of members, but I don't think it will knock off Facebook as the many source of social networking. Plus, Facebook has discussed adding email to its list of services, which could seriously challenge Gmail. There should be Buzz, because it will be a major tool, but don't expect it to be a Twitter or Facebook killer.”
I have to admit, even though I am in a committed relationship with Facebook, I am interested to see how Google Buzz will do. In my opinion, it will not replace Facebook, but will definitely play a major role in the business world. The more I learn about social media and marketing, the more I realize how many features Google has, and how many people are really using them. Google is providing an incredibly integrated network that is a “one-stop shop” for all your online needs. It should be interesting to see what Facebook will come up with to compete with all the Buzz.
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