Google Lively

Google has debuted anew service called Lively in which three-dimensional software enables people to chat in 3D. "Lively," is Google's answer to "Second Life," where people deploy animated alter egos known as avatars to navigate virtual reality. Google thinks "Lively" will encourage even more people to dive into alternate realities because it isn't tethered to one Web site like Second Life, and it doesn't cost anything to use. After installing a small packet of software from lively.com, a user can enter Lively from other Web sites, like social networking sites and blogs. Google already has created a Lively application that works on Facebook and is working on a version suitable for MySpace. Lively lets users create avatars and digital environments. The rooms in Lively can include a large-screen television that plays clips from YouTube.