The Next Web’s Weekly Recap: All about the Buzz

Welcome to The Next Web’s Weekly Recap. Make sure to check out The Next Web’s Podcast (iTunes or XML) where we analyze, rant and have fun with the weekly tech news. Also, make sure to check out The Next Web Conference 2010 (the dates – the vibe – buy tickets).

This week’s news was dominated by Google Buzz. Google’s latest product offering aggregates your activity across your social networks and brings the stream of activity inside Gmail.

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On this week’s show Fawzi Rahal (Beirut), Kristin Marshall (Seattle), Matt Brian (Essex) and Michael Backes (Hamburg) discuss, analyze and rant about Google Buzz, Facebook email, social media trust and much more.

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Google Buzz

The week started with rumors that Google was introducing a Twitter or FriendFeed like service within Gmail. Dave Winer was quick to point out things that were needed if Google’s creation was to truly be a “Twitter killer”. On Tuesday, Google officially announced a new product called Google Buzz.

The announcement was followed by a flood of commentary on how Google’s entry into the social space was going to effect companies like Facebook and Twitter. Alex had a great post discussing these very issues. While the initial positive reaction is great news for Google, Martin explores the potential identity issue that Google Buzz faces. How do you feel about Google Buzz? Vote here.

After the initial excitement had passed, many quickly became concerned over more noise in one’s inbox. Google responded to these complaints noting that it would not be removing buzz from Gmail. Google has been quick to react to feedback however as they have already addressed a concern about Buzz regarding privacy issues.

Ready to get started on Buzz? First become a verified user and then check out our Unofficial Guide to Google Buzz.

Quick Hits

• TheNextWeb Holiday Franchise Continues: Our Virtual Valentine’s Day Guide
• MySpace CEO Owen Van Natta resigned this week.
• Google purchased Q&A site Aardvark for estimated $50 million.
• Google launched a Google Apps Developer blog.
• Google announced that they’re planning to build and test ultra high-speed broadband networks.
• Innovative mobile podcasting start-up AudioBoo has now added vanity URLs and profiles to its service.
• Android has doubled its market share in 3 months while Palm dropped 25%.
• Give and Get Reusable Stuff for Free with Yoink.
• Google has new news UI in the works – screenshots leaked.
• Opera for the iPhone is set to be unveiled on February 14th in Barcelona.
• Twitter Co-Founder Biz Stone as you’ve never seen him before (must watch video).
• Style.com goes real-time and social by adding a new fashion feed.
• Facebook is experimenting with a new photo slideshow feature.
• Iran blocked Google’s Gmail this week.
• Is Facebook going to launch its own version of AdSense? New rumors revealed.
• A recent study revealed that only 25% of UK companies market their brand on Twitter.
• Chrome for Mac Beta has released extension support.
• Veoh entered the deadpool this week and filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy.
• Apple rumored to replace Google with Bing as default iPhone search. Could bring lots of money to Apple.