Google tries to stay ahead of the trends, leading with cutting edge technology -- and if someone beats them to it, they want to buy it for themselves. So where is the Google version of Second Life?
Tech Digest thinks it could be on its way. The rumour comes from a university project assigned by a "major" yet unidentified company that challenged students to design a Second Life style community.
Google has been involved with Linden Labs, the creators of Second Life. The concepts are not foreign to them, and they're already one step ahead with Google Earth and Streetview. Check out the run down of SL Google Tech Talks gives in the embedded video.
What's Driving This Trend
- Virtual Worlds Acquisition
- Google may acquire virtual world technology or companies to compete with Second Life.
- Innovation in Virtual World Design
- There is an opportunity for companies to innovate in the design of virtual world communities, similar to Second Life.
- Integration of Virtual World and Mapping Technologies
- Companies can explore the integration of virtual reality with mapping technologies, as demonstrated by Google Earth and Streetview.
Who This Affects Most
- Gaming
- The gaming industry can offer new virtual world technologies and assets for Google to acquire or partner with.
- Tech
- The tech industry is positioned to drive innovation in virtual world design and integration with mapping technologies.
- Real Estate
- The real estate industry can explore the use of virtual world communities as a tool for property marketing and development.
