Mike Elgan: How Google Buzz for mobile will change your life
Think Buzz is just a two-bit FriendFeed clone that’s wrecking Gmail? Meet the other Buzz
Two weeks ago, I wrote a piece in this space called “Google Quietly Changes the World Again.” I pointed out that two new features rolled into the mobile version of Google Maps, called “Near me now” and “Explore right here,” partially realized the long-held vision of “virtual graffiti.” The idea is to post “invisible messages” in the air, which could be read by a cell phone if you’re in that same location.
That’s what the mobile version of Google Buzz does.
“Near me now” and “Explore right here” functionality is baked right into the mobile version of Buzz. That, combined with cell phone GPS capability and Twitter-like posting, is mobile magic.
Plus, Google adds some wicked voodoo. When you launch the mobile Buzz app and touch the “Nearby” button, you’ll see all recent posts near your location, listed in order of proximity.
A button just above the message area lists all the businesses nearby, also listed by proximity. You can choose the restaurant or store you’re at, or choose the “best available location” option. That’s powerful, because GPS is only approximate.
1 year ago
