Filed under: Games, Internet, Google, Social Software, Beta
Is Google testing a Second Life style virtual world?
So here's what we know. The questionnaire asks about social sites like Facebook, Friendster, and MySpace. There are also hints the project involves 3D modeling and video games. And one question is whether users have a Gmail account and/or would be willing to sign up for one, which is leading to speculation that this is a Google project.
What kind of Google project is kind of up in the air, but since we love some good speculation, we're willing to go with the theory that Google plans to launch some type of Second Life competitor. While Second Life and other virtual worlds are merely virtual, Google already has access to boatloads of satellite imagery which is used in Google Maps and Google Earth. Imagine a social network where you could walk an avatar down the street to your friend's house to chat, or wander into a store in Japan to check out its inventory and buy virtual or real life goods.
Of course, this is all just speculation. It's possible the project has nothing to do with Google or virtual worlds at all.




Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
rTwelve said 4:32PM on 9-24-2007
I was wondering what all of this stuff around our computing commons was. Ah well, make a graphic that says ASU
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Max Walker said 5:14PM on 9-24-2007
http://www.google.com/intl/en/press/pressrel/arizona_060310.html
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., March 10, 2006 – Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) today announced plans to open an office on the Tempe campus of Arizona State University (ASU) as part of its continued efforts to build out a Phoenix-area operation. The new Google office will be primarily focused on engineering, operations and IT support functions and is part of its worldwide effort to build engineering centers in locations where there are great engineers.
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Garrison said 5:48PM on 9-24-2007
I still don't see how virtual world shopping is any more enjoyable or convenient than regular online shopping.
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richard day gore said 7:53PM on 9-24-2007
Garrison, virtual world shopping allows you to compete for parking spaces and get stuck in traffic just like real shopping. Doesn't that sound like fun?
Regards,
richaerd day gore
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sundevil1 said 12:40AM on 9-25-2007
GO DEVILS!!!
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