Google says this new free feature is "a new model for communication and collaboration on the Web."
Here's how it should work:
Users create a "wave" and add other people—friends and contacts—to it. Everyone on the "wave" can see what a user posts to it, and can insert his/her own comments, or edits to the message. (For those that are familiar with Facebook and/or Twitter, think about these applications and add a little spin.) There is a playback feature that allows users to see the history of the communication string—showing alterations all the way back to the beginning.
And for those that aren't comfortable with others being able to see what they're typing as they type, there's a privacy function that will hide your message until you're ready to post.
Photos and other applications can also be included in threads.
Why the education community is buzzing with interest is simple. There is some real potential for cross-cultural learning if Google's Wave launches as predicted. It could be a new medium for conducting online classes, not to mention a new way of organizing social events and your personal digital footprint. Teachers would be able to connect to other classrooms around the world in real time for translations, perspectives, and information. Teachers will also be able to add students to a "class wave" so to update class assignments and hold online discussions. And, instead of receiving separate e-mails from students, the class wave could instantly update students and answer any questions they may have.
Working beyond the classroom, the potential for offices is great too. Departments could have a "wave" for all ongoing projects and new updates. Just think about the possibilities for intercommunication between your Development Office and Business Office!
Google is hoping that independent developers find other ways to weave applications and services into Wave. No doubt, if Wave is launched and well received, developers will be lining up to add new features. This could be far bigger than Google or anyone observing thinks.
Google Wave is rumored to be released sometime in the fall.
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