Spaces proves Google still doesn't get social
Yesterday Google launched Spaces
to help small groups work together with shared images, links, videos
and, of course, text. It's tough not to compare the service to Pinterest or Facebook Groups (it even has stickers that post as soon as you tap).
Unfortunately, instead of grabbing the
best bits of both of those juggernauts in the group space and creating a
great new way to chat around a topic, it's a bungled trainwreck of
confusion and missed opportunities.
Spaces is supposed to be the one-stop spot to chat about topics. With quick access to Google search, YouTube and photos,
members can discuss items without leaving the app to hunt down
information. A main "Space" is created and discussions take place with
the subtopics of that theme.
Microsoft's smartphone business is in free fall,
with the company selling just 2.3 million devices in the last three
months. It's likely that you'll still be able to buy a Microsoft-branded
smartphone, but it's probably not something the firm will devote a lot
of time and energy to. After all, making phones is an expensive
business, and if there's no chance to make any sort of profit, it's not
worth the effort. If you've been watching Microsoft over the last five
years, it'll come as no surprise that its smartphone plans have
foundered. If you want to explore the evolution and collapse of
Microsoft's mobile ambitions, check out our timeline
