I posted about Google Wave two weeks ago, and I decided to update this topic. There are a few updated articles I’ve found online: here and here, and a good graphic from an article in Lifehacker.com (a site worth looking into anyway…). Google Wave represents mostly a lot of ideas, with a couple implementations in place (many are supposed to be coming from all directions…soon…).
The proof that this may be a real alternative (i.e. when it is finally out ‘there’, and it is starting to become adopted by the masses of online users…) is, ironically enough, some less than glowing reviews of what it represents. The darker reviews come from some important voices online (here and here), as well as a few snarkier ones too (here). In comparison, here is a fan-boy review that covers all of the Google talking points (here).
I mentioned that I still have a few Google Wave invitations to give out (I still have a couple left…). And if you are still interested (write me a comment asking for it…), there are some newer links covering some of the tools that are being developed (seemingly every day)…here and here. The reason I am giving away these free invitations to Google Wave is that I think the more people become aware of what this could become the better (i.e. I am doing my little part for humanity (sic)).
While I think that Google Wave as a passing online social phenomenon is interesting, Google Wave is a mixed bag in that it does much of what it says it can do (although for an early release a lot of bugs are expected…sigh). I just wonder about whether it will replace email for everyone. So far it looks a bit more complex (to the new user) than an idealized email replacement should look (i.e. it could seem a bit intimidating). To be able to mash together Instant Messaging, with Email types of correspondence, with collaborative work on documents, to be able to keep track of revisions etc. etc. It sounds like a really wonderful tool for any business intranet, and for many school environments. For the wired version of “Joe Lunchbox,” out there with the occasional need to look over some pictures from Uncle Ralph…it seems like more tools, more details, and more complexity. I wonder how you could deal with traditional emails (as well as integrate all of your email archives…)?
So, Google Wave is a pretty interesting toy to think about…for now…
