Posted by Matt on September 24th, 2007
According to Garett Rogers, a new version of Gmail is currently being tested. Basically one of the many users who help Google translate their products, spilled the beans on a portion of text needing translation. The screenshot below clearly implies the beginning of testing of a new UI. It seems Gmail 2.0 could be a reality sooner than later.
Possible new features? Well, Google Gears is already a given, but aside from new ways to group emails, custom filters, or even Google Reader integration, the new Gmail may be more tied into the social trend Google seems to be heading towards. Just this past week, rumors were set having Google opening up there platform for developers to have access to Google user data via new APIs. Following this new open and social trend, Gmail 2.0 could introduce a new way for users to share their ideas, photos, and videos with their current Google contacts. Personally, I am looking forward to a Google social network offering. The Google standard of ease of use and the possible integration with all their other products would be very useful.
Posted by Matt on September 21st, 2007
Zuckerberg just shat in his pants. Currently rumors are circling around that big boy Google is planning to open up wide like a two dollar whore like facebook did four months ago. Coming as soon as early November, the big number will offer a set of APIs allowing developers access to iGoogle and Orkut user data. API’s for Gmail, Groups, and other Google offerings may soon follow.
Unlike Facebook, Google is allowing this API to be accessed from outside of Google web applications. This is a huge medieval glove slap in the face to Mark Zuckerberg, and Google might have enough financial backing to win this duel. While no one I know uses Google as a social networking application, everyone I know has a Google account. This allows the thousands of smart developers out there to create social networks using Google users data. These social networks can be built into iGoogle through widgets, even integrated with Gmail and Google Calender.
Facebook can’t compete with Google
Despite what others think, Facebook’s reign as a leading social network won’t be sustained by its current application. It is not the end all for social networks and it will be replaced by something better in less than 5 years. Sadly, I simply do not see enough innovation coming from Facebook. The facebook apps cluttering the network have alienated many of the original users of the product. If they don’t come up with something good soon, a Google based offering might come and steal their thunder. This Web 2.0 fad of openness and APIs may be the end of King Zuckerberg.
