Why Google Buzz Is Different

Caught off guard by Google Buzz, the social media service that's invaded Gmail? Not to worry; GeekOSystem.com breaks down what Buzz is, and isn’t:

• It’s not Twitter: Google went out of its way to point out that Buzz integrates with, rather than replaces, Twitter.
• It’s not Facebook: You won’t have thousands of Buzz friends; Google’s hoping for a more intimate experience.

• It’s not a firehose: You won’t be bombarded by everything anyone you know posts; content from people you communicate with more often will be prioritized, you can vote messages up or down, and there’s a “just the good stuff” option.
• It is multimedia friendly: Sharing videos, photos, and webpages is Buzz’s bread and butter.
• It is integrated with Google Search: Buzz from your friends will show up when you search.
• It is part of Gmail now, like it or not: Google just couldn’t resist foisting the service on its 176 million e-mail users.

(More Google Buzz stories.)