Is Google Buzz The Missing Link?

Google have once again managed to create a, err, buzz about their latest product...Google Buzz! But can this latest foray into creating a social network really challenge the established behemoths of Facebook and Twitter?

Much of the success of their social platform - which is integrated into Gmail as well as being available in a standalone mode – depends on the mobile experience; and apparently addressing early concerns!

A Gmail Integrated Service

Google Buzz will allow users to post comments, images and videos as well as comment and view friends’ updates. It is also set-up to allow you to share content from sites like YouTube and Flickr. Its micro-blogging feature shares comparisons to the famed Twitter – you can even follow people - whereas its interface and features are similar to Facebook.

Because it is an extension of Gmail, it is likely to have some traction with their 170 million users. Initial privacy concerns have also been remedied which could see the social platform separating from Gmail at a user’s discretion.

Additionally, its connectivity with other Google applications like maps could make it popular with Android-based smartphones and iPhones.

Designed With Mobile Technology in Mind

As smartphones flood the market, mobile connectivity is on a rapid rise. According to the GSM Association, Facebook was viewed for 2.2 billion minutes in December whereas Google sites enjoyed 395million minutes. Marrying a social experience with your emails and other Google apps could push more of this traffic in Google’s direction.

Being able to see where someone is when they Buzz or chatting to people in the same vicinity as you about a poplar Buzz is a unique tool designed with mobile connectivity in-mind. In fact Google Buzz has an interface moulded to mobile use.

The encouraging early uptake in people trying out Google Buzz suggests that being social whilst mobile is the next step. Combining a social network with your email isn’t perhaps what it’s all cracked up to be though!