Wave, Buzz…What’s Next?

First it was Google Wave, now Buzz, and who knows what name is next for the social interaction software the company is devising. I’m a pretty smart guy, but really have to push myself to understand the concepts of contact and communications that are in play with Wave-Buzz. First, I’m at a distinct disadvantage by being over 40, so my methods of communicating with friends, family and business people is vastly different than those in the 14-40 age range. But I also get lost in the ways that Google is combining, consolidating and integrating new and existing social technologies to create something improved, more efficient and having new features. This all leaves me excited by the prospects of what the future is bringing, but wondering—how the heck do I participate? It’s difficult to move my social life over to the new paradigm. I’d have to convince myself that it’s an improvement, and then convince my friends they should make the move, too. So far, I’m lucky if I can convince them to make the Mac conversion. Taking up Wave-Buzz, Twitter or Facebook would be a leap for everyone I know. Even so, I’m plugging away to keep up with Google, hoping I won’t be left behind in the New Age.