Initial reactions to the new Google Buzz social networking tool have been pretty much disappointing. Most users simply do not know how to fit it into the existing Facebook-Twitter setup that many have been comfortable with. Most are already saying that this new application will end up being treated like that Inbox folder that nobody opens –more or less like Google Wave.
Despite the many features that are available in Buzz, it seems like nobody simply has the time for it. Even if the Buzz is already connected to Google’s other services, there is a general lack of interest for the tool. Google has also announced that Android versions 2.0 and above will have a mobile version of the Buzz available which will use the GPS feature on smart phones to provide geo-related Buzz updates and content.
Yahoo! has recently said that they already have a similar Buzz tool that does the exact same things and is actually called “Buzz” too. They say their system has been around for over a year, and since most of us did not even know that, it is pretty obvious that Yahoo! Buzz was anything but close to success.
Microsoft on the other hand has stated that our society does not need another social networking tool. While they do point out that cross integration is important, their Hotmail services does not really make for a good example of a successful product either.
The bottom line is Facebook and Twitter has pretty much placed a near impenetrable border on the social networking and micro blogging market. Even a supergiant like Google (who has already expanded services to mobile phones, operating systems, net books and even a new high speed broadband service) is unable to compete with the two web services.
Read about the Google Buzz on Mobile Choice UK.
Tags: Google-Buzz