Google launched Browser based 3D virtual world product for online chat and interactions – Lively. Anybody can access Lively using Google account. The product currently works on Windows XP/Vista and Internet Explorer/Firefox browser. More platforms will be added later.
Lively is simple to use. Users can create rooms (virtual worlds) and invite others or join other rooms, create and modify Online Avatar, Change the appearance of rooms (with appropriate rights), Chat with other users, send text messages or use animation to convey message such as Laugh, Applaud, Karate etc.
The product is impressive but seems slow at this time. Hopefully, it will get better with time. Also, as more people join and start using Lively, it will surely add fun to online experience.
Another interesting feature is that rooms can be added to blogs/webpages. Here is a Lively room.
