Google is introducing a new feature, called Google Buzz that makes it easy for users of its Gmail e-mail service to share updates.
Google Buzz will be new tab in Gmail called ‘Buzz,’ which will automatically shows updates from contacts users communicate with the most. It will be available over the next several days.
Google Buzz for Mobile will essentially be a competitor to services like Foursquare and Gowalla, says C/Net, allowing users to “check in” by updating their Buzz status with a Google Maps link to their location. You’ll be able to do this right from Google’s mobile home page, and Google is also releasing a Web application for Google Buzz that will work on iPhones and Android phones.
Users can share updates—text updates, photos, or links—either with select contacts or publicly. Buzz also ties in with a user’s location; users can see Buzzes sent from near them.
Gmail had 132 million unique users worldwide as of last March, says Paid Content. If it catches on, that could potentially add a new force to the Twitter-dominated microblogging world. Unlike chat, Google is actually following its two biggest e-mail rivals—Windows Live Hotmail and Yahoo in letting users share and track status updates.
