Google Wave: "the death of e-mail"?

The Google Wave development news was unveiled at the company’s I/O Convention this May in San Francisco. It is a communication tool described as a “hybrid of e-mail, live chat and blogs,” according to iReport. Though a beta version isn’t set for release until September, Google is offering a sneak peek of the “wave.”

There are three main ideas to the Google Wave. The first main idea is the balanced operation between chatting and files. People can collaborate via chat on documents, including text, videos, maps, photos, etc. Like a wiki, the second idea behind the wave is that it is a shared effort. The invited parties can organize, edit, and even invite other participants to join. An added feature is a playback option where you can “rewind the wave” to view the chat conversation again. The third main idea of the wave is that is live, so working on a project online can happen in real time. The subsequent video, as well as an official Google tutorial can be found here. You can also sign up for a personal alert from Google to know the minute the "wave" is released.




The new communication tool is still an open-source project, which a report from Canadian outlet, CBC, is saying that over 6,000 enthusiastic volunteers helped to perfect. Due for a September 30 release, Google Wave hopes to combine several online tasks. According to the article, other features of the “wave” are a “natural language” spell-checker, a real-time translator, real-time games like sudoku and chess, and an embedding mechanism for websites which shows the most recent updates made on the “wave”. While some technology bloggers say Google Wave will ‘change everything,’ Microsoft’s chief software architect, Ray Ozzie, argues that the “wave” seems a bit complicated.

It seems as though the wave will be something which the younger generations will embrace, and it may be the way they communicate, as opposed to previous generations. It’s combining several programs which will only occupy one window on our desktops, and it may prove beneficial. I think its main uses will come from students of all grade levels working on group projects and business people. It’ll depend on the average person and whether or not they’d like to stick to their current communication technology.

In the social media aspect of public relations, it could be used for collaborative projects with another office, or even internationally. Google’s Wave would definitely revolutionize the way businesses can collaborate on a project, no matter where they are in the world. The instant messaging translator furthers the argument that anyone can work on a project anytime, anywhere, and in any language. Maintaining contacts in a public relations sense has taken another step. Social media is about connecting people, and with the translator application, that is very much possible. When reaching out to people or letting them know you are available for discussion, the “wave” just might enhance that capacity where a language barrier once presented itself.

Reaction: Viral Video Lecture

I shouldn’t admit this, but I’m always the last to know about viral videos. I didn’t know anything about the Dove Real Beauty campaign until I saw it in a PR class lecture, and apparently it was a really big deal. I wonder how I miss them and not know what’s going on. Viral videos are almost like a pop culture icon which will represent the age of social media.

Ever since I’ve taken this class, I’ve come to the realization that I always need to be exploring new technologies and social media. It’s not going to go away, and it’s not a fad. Social media has become a way of life because it’s about people. Social media is a new way to reach out to people and connect. Viral videos are a social media tool which get people talking to one another, not only creating buzz for the product. People are what make the video go viral in the first place as they send it to family and friends with which they want to share it. Social media is growing, and that seems to be a great thing.

Second Life not a useful tool in today's economy?

Second Life has become controversial in Britain after it was reported that the British government spends 12,000 pounds ($17,500) for the Department of Work and Pensions by a Sky News article. It is mainly controversial because the DWP website does not even advertise it. Furthermore, it seems superfluous to maintain a Second Life community when a million people are likely to lose their jobs in the current economic climate. The account initially cost 20,000 pounds ($29,000) to build and costs 12,000 pounds a year to maintain.

The case for the account, according to the department, is that it will eventually save money in the long run. “We believe it could help make sharing technology more efficient and save taxpayers money as meetings, events and shows can be held online at a fraction of the cost and resources,” they said. While 15 million people have signed up in Second Life, active users only count in the hundreds of thousands.

While Second Life does seem to be struggling to catch on, I think it just needs some time. Because the economic climate isn’t very favorable these days, this type of social media which costs money to maintain may not have much support. Even so, if it will save money in the long-run when people do not have to travel for work because they can virtually meet clients, then it will be much more appreciated. However, it seems that free social media is where the support lies during this time.