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Callan // February 17, 2010 // Social Media // 6 Comments
The social media world has erupted with buzz (pardon the pun) about Google’s newest launch - Google Buzz. The new social network is integrated directly with Gmail and allows you to take all of your personal web feeds and create a single stream. Buzz also includes a Foursquare – esq function where you can make updates based on your location and receive tips and reviews based from other Google Buzzers. The overall effect is that every photo, blog post, video, status update etc can all be found in one place where other Google users can view it and comment on it.
So is Google Buzz a game changer? Some are saying this could be the next big social network, but I just don’t see it. I went in and played with mine, and I am not convinced as to why I need this when I am already perfectly comfortable using my existing networks. Furthermore, not everyone I want to connect with has Gmail, making it impossible for this to ever become my preferred social network.
However, within 56 hours of their launch, Google Buzz already had more than 9 million posts and comments. Plus, with 38 million Gmail users automatically hooked up, there is a tremendous potential for growth.
The real question is, will Google Buzz last? Google Wave made a huge splash when it came on the scene, but was dismissed as too complex within mere weeks. Mashable recently conducted a poll asking their readers which they preferred: Facebook, Twitter or Google Buzz. With more than 6,500 votes, Facebook was the clear leader, receiving 47 % of the votes. 26% of the votes went to Twitter, and only 18% went to Google Buzz.
So what do you think? Is Google Buzz going to be the next it thing? Are you using Google Buzz? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
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I completely agree that this won’t take over as the next big social network. I think the big boost it has right now is due to people logging into their gmail and then trying to figure out what the heck it is. I’m still not ready to move on from Facebook!
.-= Lizzie´s last blog ..Are you using Google Buzz? =-.
Not everyone you wanted to connect with had Facebook at first. I’m not sure Google Buzz is the next big thing, but if it’s even a fraction less annoying than Facebook I’d certainly give it a chance. Furthermore, never apologize for a good pun.
Now it’s the Buzz, then it’s the Google Wave.
You never know. Google has the power to do anything.
A good example would be this : http://scobleizer.com/2010/01/30/can-flash-be-saved/
Lizzie – So true. Both of my updates on Google Buzz thus far have been of that nature.
Mike – true, although I disagree that fbook is annoying. As you know, Facebook and I are besties. PS I shall try and remember to pun more often.
Saya – Thanks for your comment! Agreed, you can’t underestimate Google. They are smart cookies over there.
Whether buzz will overtake facebook is beyond my prediction abilities, but I’m quite sure it’ll pick up further in popularity and last. The greatest feature of buzz that neither Facebook or Twitter has, is the ability to broad to a specific group within the feed and add outsiders on an adhoc basis. Makes segmenting easier – awesome for marketers.
.-= Maayan´s last blog ..6 Steps to Easily Manage Buzz in the Inbox =-.
Nice point. Thanks for sharing! I agree, it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere soon