Rumors have started about plans by Google to launch a virtual world to rival Second Life and Habbo. The new 3D social network, apparently called “My World”, will make use of the Google Earth and Google Maps applications and is penciled in for launch later this year.
The speculation started after a survey was circulated to students of Arizona State University. According to Google Operating System, where i first found the story: rene-lemerle.gooruze.com
Arizona State University’s students have the opportunity to test a new product “that will be publicly launched later this year”. The invitation page mentions that the product is developed by “a major Internet company” and there are hints that the application is related to social networking, 3D modeling and video games.
While the questionaire doesn’t actually mention Google, several factors suggest Google is behind the new product testing.
Firstly, the questionaire asked if students had a Gmail account. Secondly, Arizona State University has a strong tie with Google, being one of the first to test Google Apps and using Google tools extensively including Google Maps, Google Search Appliances and Google Have an office on campus.
If these rumors prove true, it’s yet another significant by Google to penetrate the growing social media playing field. With Google Earth and Google Maps providing the ideal virtual world (more realistic than its competitors) for a 3D social network, even Virtual World detractors will be curious about the possibities.
3D Social Network, google, Google Earth, Second Life, Virual World
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Sounds like a great idea from Google. I’m sure they will make it free to attract users.