Riding the Google Wave

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Google may not be taking over the world, but it’s taking over my computer… and I like it! Their latest innovation is a new email/IM/social-networking hub called Google Wave.
 
Here’s how it works: Instead of forwarding one giant mess of an email for others to review, you can invite them to your “wave.” They will then be able to hit play, and each message will appear in the order they were written, attachments were added, etc. So it’s similar to traditional e-mail, but a little easier to wade through because you no longer have to scroll up and down and back and forth through an email with several recipients and contributors.
 
Google Wave can also be used as an instant messaging service; updates and messages are posted in real time. You will be able to see changes and additions to the wave being made by your invited friends at the exact time they make them, or if you have closed out the conversation, those new messages will be highlighted when you return.
 
And here's the clincher. Google has integrated a number of extras into the e-mail service--blogging tools, picture sharing, twitter updates and even video conferencing. Extensions at this point are limited because Google Wave is still in preview mode, but so far I have found it to be a great way to share web links, photographs and thoughts all in one organized interface. Click here to view a video of the Google Wave team explaining its cool functions in more detail.
 
It’s hard to hate a company that makes my day-to-day trek with the Internet a little smoother and more organized. (You can also watch the video below.)
 
If you would like to try Google Wave for yourself you’ll need to have a Google account and to receive an invite from someone already using Wave. I got my opportunity through a forum that was offering invites to its members. Just remember to return the favor once you get your invite. Have fun Waving!
 
If you enjoyed this piece on Google's latest technology, be sure to take a look at this article on China's attempt at public relations.