As I’m sure many of you will already be aware, Google has just announced the Beta release of its new Google Wave! This nifty bit of open-source kit combines instant messaging, email and social networking and could revolutionize the way we communicate with each other online.
Everything is in real-time so for instance you can see what your friend is typing in the instant messenger tool, character by character, and allows you to start typing your response even before your friend has finished his/her sentence!
It also allows you to collaborate and communicate with friends or work colleagues online whilst working together on a document, image, video or even working out directions on a map! The functionality is such that you can reply anywhere in a message, edit the content of a document and add participants anywhere in the process, which of course could bring major advantages and has the potential to TOTALLY REVOLUTIONIZE the way that the Digital Industry (and indeed other industries) work and interact with their clients!
An API facility has been provided for Google Wave which will allow developers to embed applications that will add to and improve the Google Wave experience.
At the moment, Google Wave is available to 100 000 invitees from around the world, each of whom can nominate 5 additional friends to “join the Wave”.
While Google Wave runs well in most browsers, it’s been reported that the big G is having problems making it work in IE (no surprise there eh, Richard!? 
but they are no doubt working hard to solve the problem.
Check it out for yourself on the Google Wave Homepage!
Google wave is going to be a big competitor to twitter. I will be interesting to see who comes out on top..
This does look amazing – I’m excited already!
@Fiona Are you sure you’re on the right site?!
I signed up for the private beta months ago, but I’ve so far heard nothing back. Does anyone have any beta invites going spare???
@Dom I missed it but also – invtes would be appreciated