Google and Facebook are on a collision course – With Buzz, Google plunges into social networking, Miguel Heft and Brad Stone, New York Times, 9 February 2010
Google launched Google Buzz last week. It was the biggest tech news of that week I suppose. And maybe even the biggest tech news of the month. I have to say, Google has been keeping us in our toes since the start of the year. First with the Google Android phone (Nexus One) and now with Google Buzz. Makes you wonder what Google has in store for the next ten months, eh?
Google Buzz (not to be mistaken with Yahoo Buzz) is Google’s take on social networking. It is expected to pose a serious blow on two largest social media networks — Twitter and Facebook.
But how did it really fare in the social media competition? I observed the usage of Google Buzz during its first day in the Netherlands and the neighbouring countries and I myself am surprised with the results. Raising your eyebrows? Read on…
- Buzzers in the Netherlands on the first day of Google Buzz
First day with Google Buzz
My phone uses the Android 1.6 version so I cannot use the Buzz mobile app yet. I personally find it weird since Google and Android have always been inseparable.
But having Google Maps, I could easily access my Buzz layer. On launch day, there was already a Google Maps update available which introduced this layer. For Android phones using the 1.5 version, this is not yet possible. But for those using Android 2.0, Buzz is accessible through the maps and mobile app.
Obviously, I was curious so I checked out the area, IF there are buzzers, and there were! You can find the buzzers in the image on the right. Most of them were also checking out Buzz on its first day.
Hello, anybody there?
My first Buzz message was, “Hello, anybody there?” And I got two messages back saying, “Me!” and “Me too!” It was funny but felt strange at the same time. Like when landline phones were knew and suddenly, there’s somebody at the end of the line? Or a partyline? That’s how it felt.
Most of the messages that day were also along the lines of “Hello, anybody there?”. Or “Checking out Google Buzz”. A lady in Tilburg even buzzed, “Hello, checking out Google Buzz, is anyone reading this?” I reacted and she sent out a smiley back. Now, that was fun. Interacting with a complete stranger.
- Google buzz in London
Buzz in big cities
There was a sudden big following of Google Buzz in big European cities. On your left is the Buzz layer in the United Kingdom. You will notice how concentrated the buzzers are in the London area. This was the same in Germany, the buzzers were concentrated in Berlin. In Czech Republic, it was concentrated in Prague and in Belgium, most buzzers were in Brussels. In Luxembourg, there were not much buzzers.
Privacy issues
Every morning for one whole week, I would buzz something out. Mostly “good mornings”. I usually get a reply back. But I have to admit that the interactivity of Google Buzz has waned compared to its first day.
Many buzzers have protected their buzzes because of privacy issues. Just imagine that other buzzers in the area can exactly see where you are. That sends some shivers down the spine doesn’t it? My first reaction seeing buzzers was, “how could they put their picture and real name out there?”
Sudden following and a waning of interactivity. That is how I would describe Google Buzz in this side of Europe on its first week.
However, it is still early to predict if Buzz is going to make it big in the social media world. But I have to admit that where Google wins is in the integration of services. If your primary mail provider is Gmail (in my case, not), you do not have to create another social network because it is already there. All you have to do is click the Buzz icon and send messages to family and friends. If you use Google Maps, it is even more fun and interactive because you see the icons on your map. You know exactly how many buzzers there are in an area so you can easily converse with them. #
