Google vs. Facebook and Twitter? |
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The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed sources, reports this morning that Google is set to launch a dedicated module in Gmail that will let people share and view status updates from friends -- turning the free email service into a more direct rival to Twitter, Facebook and other social networking services.
As the WSJ notes, Gmail users can already alert contacts to their status in the program's built instant-messaging module. The new feature, expected as early as this week, would be more similar to the dedicated stream of updates and messages provided by existing social networking services.
Sometimes new features can be overblown as a competitive threat, but the potential for the search giant to rival Twitter and Facebook is generating lots of attention already. "HUGE!" declares internet entrepreneur Jason Calacanis. Clearly Google is one company with the potential to buck the trend we identified in this story: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn get free pass from potential rivals.
The Wall Street Journal mentions possible integration of alerts from Google's YouTube and Picasa into the Gmail social-networking stream. One additional point is that users of the company's Google Reader service can already follow each another and share links and messages related to the stories they're reading.
When you start to think about Google's far-flung online ventures in that way, it makes sense that the company would attempt to stitch them together more tightly through something akin to a social networking stream.
Google's move could also have implications for Microsoft, which previously announced plans to let social networks integrate their streams into its Outlook email program, through a special module.
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Who's creating today's energy efficient buildings? Find out at the BetterBricks Awards, Feb. 16
BetterBricks Awards salute the individuals leading the way for high performance commercial buildings with an emphasis on energy efficiency. Join us as we recognize these standout green building professionals.
Award categories include: Advocate; Architect/Designer; Facility Manager/Operator; and Owner/Developer.
Keynote Speaker: Kevin Kampschroer, Director of U.S. GSA's Office of Federal High Performance Buildings. Kevin leads the U.S. General Services Administration's efforts in building sustainability and accelerating industry adoption of sustainable principles across all aspects of a building's life.
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The Triple Door Presents: The Atomic Bombshells "J'ADORE!: A Burlesque Valentine"
Seattle's reigning Burlesque super-troupe delivers a gorgeous and glittering VALENTINE featuring some of the Bombshells' most exhilarating acts to date. J'Adore! promises to celebrate l'amour with good humor, style, and a healthy dose of dazzle! Bring a friend, a lover, a family member, or a secret crush, and celebrate with the Valentine's Burlesque spectacular that will leave you shouting: "J'ADORE......The Atomic Bombshells!" The incomparable Jasper McCann emcees with high style and charm.
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
The Triple Door Presents: Bob Mould – See A Little Light: An Evening of Reading and Music
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Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
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