Google launches group communication service called ‘Spaces’

Google is introducing a new service called ‘Spaces’, which it says is aimed at small groups. Within the app, users can share content with each other. This is possible through the integration of Google Search, YouTube and the Chrome browser.

Spaces is intended to share content, for example images, articles and videos, around a certain topic. According to Google, it stems from the need for a way to more easily share content with each other, without using different apps. Spaces would also help to keep the focus of group discussions on the topic and avoid overly long ‘threads’ with digressions.

By integrating services such as YouTube, it is no longer necessary to switch between different apps. Spaces users can add others to the conversation, for example by sending an email or a message through a social network. In addition, users can participate in a ‘Space’ themselves by scanning an nfc tag or a bluetooth beacon. According to Google, the search function makes it easy to find content and conversations shared in the past.

At its developer conference I/O, taking place this week, Google plans to demonstrate the new service by creating a separate Space for each session. The app is available for Android, iOS and via a web service for Gmail users. Google may announce another additional communications service at the conference, as it recently took Jibe offline. That could indicate that an iMessage competitor is in the works.