Google Buzz

Has Google changed social networking with today’s introduction of Google Buzz?

Buzz is touted as a new way to start conversations about the things you find interesting, share updates, photos, videos and more. It’s built into Gmail, so there’s nothing to sign up for, install or configure.

Buzz makes use of your current contact list within Gmail, so you already have a built-in set of friends, as well.

You can choose to share publicly with the world or privately to a small group of friends each time you post. Connect other sites you use, such as Picasa, Flickr, Google Reader, and Twitter.

This lets your friends keep up with what you’re doing around the web in one tidy little place.

If you don’t feel you have enough connections in Gmail, Google Buzz will suggest new contacts for you. Buzz will recommend posts from people you’re not directly following, usually from places your current friends are having conversations. If you’re not interested in a particular recommendation, just click the “Not interested” link.

Some are saying that Google Buzz can replace FriendFeed.  I still think that both services are quite different, offering different things to their users. I don’t see Buzz as replacing or killing FriendFeed.

Google Buzz will be rolled out everywhere within the coming days.  If you don’t already have it showing up in your Gmail, you will soon.  Keep an eye out for a Buzz link under your Inbox.

Check it out… try it on for size.

Let us know what you think of the newest offering from Google. Is it a bunch of hype? Or… is the buzz about Buzz on target?

Do you think that having it tied to your email address is a good thing?
I can keep my email private at facebook, twitter and FriendFeed.  Not so much with GMail.