The recent announcement that Facebook is launching the un-official “Gmail killer” has many an industry a buzz. Many people feel that this is just another step toward Internet/social/privacy domination by Facebook but I do not subscribe to that school of thought. Personally, I view Facebook the same way I view medicine: just shut up and take it. It’s been good for you before and will more than likely be good for you again. Sure, medicine sometimes has negative side effects (that picture you were tagged in or that late night Facebook chat that you shouldn’t have started) but, on the whole, it has provided more relief than distress.
Before we jump into the pros, cons, benefits, etc…let’s examine exactly what the new Facebook social messaging function is and isn’t. You can find the specs HERE but let’s do a quick overview. The new social messaging center will house and store ALL of your messages. Not just Facebook messages, but emails, texts, and IM’s all in one neat and convenient mailbox. You will receive an email address (your Facebook username@facebook.com) but this isn’t meant to replace your existing email addresses (not yet anyways) and good ol’ Zuck has been quite emphatic about this sentiment. Along with that proclamation, Zuck feels that instant messaging and text are surpassing email based communication and that we had all better get onboard. Ergo, this
is not a Gmail killer because this is bigger…much bigger. Read the rest of this entry »
One Fish Bowl 