Lively Google and Lively Ways to Use the New Virtual World

Hate virtual worlds but want to increase your interactivity? Enter Lively by Google, a new social networking application and 3-D chat platform designed to integrate easily into websites, web browsers and blogs --and then some. With Lively even novice users can create virtual worlds or join another's habitat in the form of an avatar. Like most Google technology, Lively is relatively easy to learn and more powerful than it appears at first blush. Further, in this staycation economy, what better time for a little exploration of the new Google Lively virtual world?

The bad news on Google Lively: Linux and Mac users will have to wait a bit.

What can you create with Lively Google

Want to show off your photography? Simply import photos from Picasa to create an art studio in your space. Are you a political activist? Run an Obama or McCain YouTube video on your virtual Lively TV set. Not appealing? Google Lively is not just for builders and creators.

Lively Google for a Living?

Given that most Google endeavors are digital chrysopoeia, the elementary and novel interface of the Google Lively service should not be discounted too quickly. Though, Second Life die-hards may disappoint quickly.

Lively Google is currently in Beta and deemed to be running at "20 percent," according to the Official Google Blog. The remaining 80 percent of Lively potential offers the most interesting benefits, not least is its unforeseen capabilities. Thus, a few hours head start on exploring Lively now may be a sage investment for those who profit from the Net or want to enrich their online networking power.

Consider the monetization capability of the Google Lively virtual world, not limited to the hope that any future advertising, should it transpire, will translate into ad revenue for bloggers and website owners. And, though no money is involved in Lively worlds, wheels are churning on how to capitalize on props and other creative works.

Furthermore, the power of interactive applications should not be underestimated be it for networking, activism, business or play. Second Life, despite its limitations, offers testament to such success. Unlike Second Life, Google Lively is not limited to the constraints of a single browser application and higher end computers to function properly.

According to Mashable, hints of substantial integration and portability for Lively with Facebook, MySpace and Google's Friend Connect are indicated.

The Google Lively Virtual World - Today

Merely hours old, one can already find a "sex island" on the Google Lively service, though groups are deemed to be PG, along with World of Warcraft and Emo interests, among many casual worlds. Already, however, serious hobbyists, Web 2.0 enthusiasts, and forward thinking entrepreneurs are beginning to make their claim on Lively properties and names.

Combine integration with Google apps, social networking properties and funding and one can expect that Google Lively will elevate 3-D social networking, and allow people to connect better through virtual expressions.

Albeit, it may take some time to gain respect as a business person in a cartoon world.

How to Get Started on Lively Google

Sign up for a Google account or use an existing one, download the Lively application at lively.com and create an avatar. Alternatively, visit the Google Lively website for help, tips and the Lively forum, which is designed to provide a more lively and productive Lively experience.

Sources:
Lively by Google
Niniane Wang, Be Who You Want on Web Pages You Visit Official Google Blog
Adam Ostro, Google Lauches Lively to Create a Virtual World Across Social Networks, Mashable