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Google's Lively: A New Virtual World

Google has launched a new virtual world called Lively, marking a surprising shift in the tech giant's usual offerings. Unlike other Google products, Lively is more akin to something a media company would create, leaning heavily on rich chat functionalities and focused conversations.

• Lively is built for conversations, prioritizing communication over exploration.
• The platform is directly positioned against IMVU, aiming to be a leading competitor to SecondLife.

Google's Departure from its Core Tech

Lively's focus on virtual interaction is an unexpected move for Google, known for its prowess in search, email, and mobile technologies. This shift has sparked speculation about the influence of Yahoo refugees now employed by Google, potentially contributing to a more media-focused product development strategy.

Lively's Origins and Focus

The development of Lively is attributed to one of the original founders of IMVU, a company renowned for its virtual world platform.

• Lively's primary focus is on super-rich chat features, encouraging users to engage in conversations.
• Google emphasizes a conversational experience, shifting away from the exploration-driven model seen in SecondLife.

Lively's Competitive Landscape

Lively enters a competitive market dominated by SecondLife and IMVU. The platform positions itself as a direct rival to IMVU, aiming to capture a niche focused on rich chat experiences and conversations.

Google's Expansion into Virtual Worlds

Google's foray into virtual worlds with Lively marks an attempt to diversify its offerings and explore new areas of growth. The platform's focus on social interaction and rich chat aligns with emerging trends in mobile and tech, particularly in the realm of social media and virtual communities.

Venturebeat's Insight into Lively

Venturebeat, a prominent technology news source, has published an informative article providing further details on Lively's development and positioning. The article highlights Lively's origins at IMVU and its focus on conversation-driven experiences.

Google's Newsletter on Tech and Startups

In addition to the news on Lively, the article encourages readers to subscribe to a weekly newsletter covering happenings in Silicon Valley, focusing on tech, startups, mobile, and marketing. This newsletter provides insightful analysis and updates on current trends within the tech industry.

Conclusion

Google's launch of Lively represents a strategic shift for the company, entering the burgeoning virtual world market with a platform focused on rich chat and social interaction. The platform's connection to IMVU and its emphasis on conversations position it as a direct competitor to SecondLife, aiming to capture a niche of users seeking engaging communication experiences.