As had been anticipated, Microsoft and Google each unwrapped enhanced members' information sharing services.
Microsoft’s MSN Spaces will let you create personal Weblogs and offer an updated version of MSN Messenger, the popular instant messaging program. Google Groups, based on Usenet, which Google bought three years ago, is aimed at making it easier for you to manage lists for online discussion groups and create new public or private discussion groups on any subject.
Usenet – which grew out of a Duke University electronic bulletin board – is the largest collection of posted online messages in cyberspace.
Analysts think MSN Spaces indicates a focus on younger audiences. The program was tested in Japan six months ago and includes music and picture sharing capability, with Microsoft hoping it generates revenues from direct advertising and connection times and, for future consideration, selling online storage capacity.
But the blogging capability seems to be the main appeal of the program. "This is taking blogging mainstream," MSN Communication Services director Phil Holden said announcing MSN Spaces. "People just want a good and easy way to share things."
The new Messenger has added "winks" and "nudges" to the emoticons on the program, now in its seventh version. The new wink will send animated graphics via the program, Holden said, while the nudge will cause the Messenger window on a recipient's computer to vibrate.
"You can think of these as emoticons on steroids," Mr. Holden said, adding that while they might bother some users others – particularly younger users – were likely to enjoy them.
Google Groups is now Google's third largest ad revenue source behind its Web and image searches, the company said. The new Google Groups will include posted messages appearing within ten seconds and being indexed within ten minutes and makes the Usenet archive more accessible, according to director of consumer Web products Marissa Mayer.
