Google has created a new quick collaboration tool for small groups that combines Google Search, YouTube and Chrome to make it easier for groups to instantly share and comment on any topic.
It appears Google wants to cut through the clutter of social media and email and create a stable, refined experience.
So, it has pulled out the big guns for small groups, baking Search, YouTube and Chrome all into one neat place called Spaces.
Spaces are chatroom-like message threads that users can be invited to and centre on content like web links, YouTube videos and photos.
The interesting thing that no one has picked up on is this could be harnessed into an enterprise platform to compete with services like Slack.
‘When someone shares something new to a space, the conversational view lets you see what the group is talking about without missing a beat’
– LUKE WROBLEWSKI, GOOGLE
Google will be experimenting with Spaces this week at Google I/O, with a Space for each session so developers can connect with each other around topics.
Spaces will be rolling out today (17 May) on Android, iOS, desktop and mobile web for all Gmail accounts.
“With Spaces, it’s simple to find and share articles, videos and images without leaving the app, since Google Search, YouTube, and Chrome come built in,” explained Luke Wroblewski, product director at Google.
“When someone shares something new to a Space, the conversational view lets you see what the group is talking about without missing a beat.”
He said that if you want to find something that was shared earlier a quick search pulls up the content.
“You can create a space with just one tap for any topic and invite anyone via messaging, email, a social network, or whatever way you like.”
Team collaboration image via Shutterstock