The Internet super-giant, Google, has cross-pollinated its Gmail and Android platforms with its new social media application, Google Buzz. All the same social networking features we know and love — messaging, photo- and video- sharing, status updates, etc. — are mashed together. To make things easier, Google automatically follows everyone you email and chat with through Gmail.

Is this the next Google breakthrough? It’s too soon to tell…

Pros

• On an Android phone, you can record your voice to post a message instead of typing (if you speak clearly).
• Flickr, Picassa, and Twitter capabilities are built in.
• Buzz can detect your location and inform you about people and events going on nearby.

Cons

• Yet another social media platform we have to learn to keep up with the Jones’.
• Inbox avalanche may occur from syncing Buzz to your Gmail and there’s no current option for turning inbox notifications off.
• Buzz can detect your location! Make sure you turn this feature off if you want to hide.

I remember the days when conversations were enjoyed in person without the constant interruption of micro-thoughts or feeling like you have to update everyone at every second. Google intends to integrate the best of the best with Buzz, but I have a feeling that instead of just choosing one social networking platform over another, people will just get annoyed that their most valuable asset, time, is being toyed with.

For more detailed information on Google Buzz, visit the Official Google Blog or Review of Google Buzz on PC World.

Clinging onto my privacy,
Pete Karabetis

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