Tim Akinbo’s Blog
the web, mobile technology and location based services as I see it
Just how buzz-worthy?
In: General
9 Feb 2010
Well I’ll say a lot and only time will really tell and if you’re wondering what I’m talking about, it’s the recently launched Google Buzz.
Google Buzz is an application that allows you to share web links, photos, videos etc with people who are important to you but that’s only half the story. Google Buzz for Mobile is a location based service that allows users of the application to share messages and pictures that are location-aware.
In my attempt to explain it to my girlfriend, I used this example. Assume I walk into an eatery and I discover that they’re giving a free donut for every purchase above ₦500. I can quickly create a buzz to spread the word. Now because I’m using my phone which has a built-in GPS, it records my location and every other person who sees the buzz can identify the location.
There are countless other use cases. Imagine a community service that allows community members to report accidents using Google Buzz for Mobile. Others might include, crime reporting, reporting lost items, reviews and so on.
I’ve been playing around with it and I’m hoping to see more people come on board to give it a try. If you do not have an Iphone or Android 2.0 compatible phone, your best bet would be to attempt to install Google Maps for Mobile 4.0 by visiting http://mobile.google.com/ on your mobile phone and clicking on Google Maps. If your phone is supported and you can install Google Maps for Mobile version 4.0, then you can enable the Buzz layer and start buzzing.
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Tim Akinbo's Weblog is the personal weblog of Tim Akinbo. Here he discusses issues relating to technology. Special interests include the web, mobile technology and location based services.
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3 Responses to Just how buzz-worthy?
ray
February 10th, 2010 at 2:08 am
Funny u took it from the LBS angle, which makes better sense. But from the social networking perspective, I fail to see buzz as that next big thing.
concept37
February 10th, 2010 at 5:56 am
They are trying to out-facebook facebook and out-twitter twitter, Folks who want to do these things are already doing them either by facebook, twitter or email (ironically).
I think it will fail or get stuck in some sort of purgatory like Orkut.
Kizito S.M.
February 10th, 2010 at 9:07 am
What I gather is that this G-Buzz is something like a blend between Facebook Updates and Twitter following. Ok, has Google run out of novel ideas? or is it that they do not want to keep on with their spending spree that they used to be in through purchasing whatever seemed good/cash-cow to Google. (Orkut, Youtube ++). If they fancied social networking, why not woo Zuckerberg to name a price and aquire it or simple yet to take over the profit-less twitter?