Based on the very preliminary website, this seems to be a way to quickly set up invite-only ad hoc interest groups, bypassing the infrastructure and membership requirements of a full networking service like Facebook, Yahoo!Groups, and old style chatboards.
This could be useful for people who boycott or otherwise have no use for social networks. I'm not sure how big that market really is, but my own parents come to mind, plus some curmudgeonly old friends who only do email.
Another Google experiment that will run its course and either succeed or be relegated to the attic which is full of interesting but unsuccessful ideas. I'm glad someone's trying to think ahead of the curve and bypass the social networks, which are such a time sync for me at least.
I agree, probably would require a Google account, but what if it's only for the group founder? If it requires everyone to have a Google login then it's just like Plus. If not, then it's actually a rather appealing idea. "Join my group, and you're not required to set up an account." Just a quick, spur of the moment thing.
This could be useful for people who boycott or otherwise have no use for social networks. I'm not sure how big that market really is, but my own parents come to mind, plus some curmudgeonly old friends who only do email.
Another Google experiment that will run its course and either succeed or be relegated to the attic which is full of interesting but unsuccessful ideas. I'm glad someone's trying to think ahead of the curve and bypass the social networks, which are such a time sync for me at least.