Its just a 3D messenger...but it is google. That's why I thought it deserved mention. Google is the microsoft of the 21st century. Anything they look at..will get a look from me. This might appeal to people who chat a lot on messenger services. Its a lot cuter, and sharing a sense of space makes it more personal. I won't be surprised to see this expanded on by google. Ill stick to Second Life for socializing with friends.
i have yet to understand the point of a 3D talking avatar. until Snow Crash-esqe technology exisits I dont see the point of social avatars. see also: World of World of Warcraft post
^ as opposed to this 2d flat avatar that is talking named Molotof? This would be a lot more interesting in a 3d world. Our avatars would look a lot nicer.
in 2d forums there is no real time constraint to say something....in 3d chats, you had better talk ASAP or people get angry. i equate it to this: 2d = email speed 3d = texting/IM speed i'm one of those people that doesn't see the need for most speech and IM drives one to a nervous babble just to keep the connection open. i see 3d social chat rooms as highly rendered IM.
It looks more like habbo hotel mixed with IMVU, I haven't used IMVU but this whole thing looks like it's demograph is for 11 year old girls.
Yes..I agree this lively is just a 3d chatroom. Seems the only thing can be done besides chat is watch youtube there. SL is not just for chat..Most people in SL I know..work..or build in SL. Like me I organize partys..live DJ..musicians..I network people who have similar interests...like our Relay for life Cancer benefit shows. Our work in micro economics in making loans to small buisness in africa. Our group just got a man in africa started with his own small grocery store.The first one was bookstore that loan books to students in africa. Things like this is done much easier in a 3d space. People build and donate items for auction or sale...or in my case..I make use of my lands and DJ friends to throw partys ..where all the tips/money are giving to charity. an architech friend has a novel use for SL..he builds his homes in SL..the buyer comes in tours the home..can try out colors..move walls..try furniture..textures. He also sells the homes for use in SL. He started out on a small piece of land..he now owns 4 islands he bought with the profit. If you don't have much need for speech..you can still find things to do in SL..worthwhile things.
Honestly if you compare this "Lively" to Gaia online I doubt you'd see much difference, you just build micro avatars who walk around in closed off worlds like habbo then go to some theater application to watch youtube videos with a flashy embedded player. I'll stick to my non child-based non convoluted normal experience and spend my time more efficiently. But of course it's too early to tell what it might turn into, so if anyone has time to burn please share how it goes.