Google takes on Facebook and Twitter

Simon · Feb 09, 2010, 22:52:10

Google has taken the wraps off its latest social network known as Buzz.

The service - integrated directly with its e-mail service Gmail - allows users to post status updates, share content and read and comment on friends posts. The site pitches Google directly against rival networks such as Facebook, which has amassed nearly 400 million users since its launch in 2004. Buzz will try to capitalise on the number of regular Gmail users, which is currently around 170 million people.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8506148.stm

Another step towards Google's world domination...

Niall · Feb 09, 2010, 23:21:56

Unless they do something very impressive, I can't see how they'll attract people. It'll have to be different, and incorporate a lot more than what Twitter and Facebook do now, without being a sinister organisation, tracking what everyone does purely for advertising purposes, which I firmly believe is all that Google want to do now.

Gary · Feb 10, 2010, 07:54:02

Quote from: Niall on Feb 09, 2010, 23:21:56
Unless they do something very impressive, I can't see how they'll attract people. It'll have to be different, and incorporate a lot more than what Twitter and Facebook do now, without being a sinister organisation, tracking what everyone does purely for advertising purposes, which I firmly believe is all that Google want to do now.

Tbh Niall Facebooks privacy record is not great either, I always have issues with accounts on there, people getting Trojans and privacy rules changing so the world and its auntie can fine you, It would be interesting to see if Google could make Facebook look bad

Glenn · Feb 10, 2010, 08:15:02

Quote from: Simon on Feb 09, 2010, 22:52:10
Google has taken the wraps off its latest social network known as Buzz.

Another step towards Google's world domination...

Will Buzz, be light years ahead of the competition?

Ray · Feb 10, 2010, 08:40:46

Glenn · Feb 10, 2010, 08:41:40

Simon · Feb 10, 2010, 10:02:04

Glenn · Feb 10, 2010, 10:16:14

Niall · Feb 10, 2010, 19:21:31

Quote from: Gary on Feb 10, 2010, 07:54:02
Tbh Niall Facebooks privacy record is not great either, I always have issues with accounts on there, people getting Trojans and privacy rules changing so the world and its auntie can fine you, It would be interesting to see if Google could make Facebook look bad

Yeah well there are always stupid people posting scam sites thinking they've found an absolute bargain, or forwarding on chains that link to a virus. I don't see any of that though because I'm wise enough to just "ignore" all that cr*p. It's better on the iphone anyway as you don't see it at all

Sebby · Feb 10, 2010, 22:00:12

Just remember one thing: Google ultimately succeed at everything they do.

psp83 · Feb 10, 2010, 22:00:24

Google Buzz AKA, Twitter with comments!

Gary · Feb 11, 2010, 12:12:09

Quote from: Niall on Feb 10, 2010, 19:21:31
Yeah well there are always stupid people posting scam sites thinking they've found an absolute bargain, or forwarding on chains that link to a virus. I don't see any of that though because I'm wise enough to just "ignore" all that cr*p. It's better on the iphone anyway as you don't see it at all

I have friends who just clink any links there, I block all applications anyway like you I dont see the cr*p but I think Facebook is better on a pc you get more interaction anyway, but Goggle will be hard pushed to replace Facebook after all this time, thankfully.

Niall · Feb 11, 2010, 18:15:45

I disagree. On my iphone I get everything I see on the PC, apart from adverts. The only other thing I couldn't see today when looking for it was the option to adjust your settings, but that may be under something else as it's set out differently on the iphone.

Oh and this Google lark looks rubbish. I watched their video that they seem to be trying to make look like an iphone app video, and they seem to want you to login to their email network and run everything via emails on their account. That's the worst way I can think of setting up a social network. It's supposed to be easier, not more messy. Plus having every social network site sending you emails through their system instantly raises a red flag for me as they instantly have access to everything you're doing!

Niall · Feb 20, 2010, 15:10:15

I've just been having a look at this Buzz, and the security implications on it are horrific. If you fill out the whole thing completely, anyone that gains access to the account, or even follows you, will have pretty much all the info they need to steal your identity. It's amazingly poorly thought out. It's got security questions that are the first thing people look for, it's got your location down to a GPS pinpoint when you've put your address on it. I could go on, but go and have a look. If you link other things to it, not only do they have your info, they have photos of your surrounding area if you link a Flickr account to it so you could even be scouting out the area for them if they want to come and break in to your property!

It's exactly as I thought it would be. The more accounts you link to it, the easier it'll be for someone to get every single piece of information about you, under one site. Granted it's very convenient for you, but it's just as convenient for the criminals!

Oh and for some reason Gmail had my email address set up on it, with a different password to other things I use (as you do) and I had to merge my Youtube login with the Gmail account, which is a different user name and password, so now it tells me that someone has posted to my Youtube page when it was me, as it can only be me!

Lots and lots of silliness surrounding Gmail. I think I'll just keep things as they are and only use things separately, with different passwords. Only allowing specified people access to the info too!