Testing time People! Check out this addition to the Google Account list

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As if Google didn't have a strong enough hold on the planet already, today it's launching its own world -- a virtual world, to be exact. Lively, which Google likes to call a "virtual experience," allows you to create an avatar, decorate your own virtual room, invite friends to your room and do things you've always dreamed of, like blow up oil barrels on a deserted island.

More here...
It is found under www.lively.com/html/landing.html Do check out the Video

I recall AOL had something similar under Internal Beta test for AIM over a year ago and they Canned the Project, and that looked good...If Google come anywhere close I shall use this.
As I say if its for Google Account Holders only will this Link to Google Talk?

Here is all the info..

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Create an avatar and chat with your friends in rooms you design

Requires Windows Vista/XP with Internet Explorer or Firefox

The Avatars are few for now. But they are customisable

I expect "your" Avatar will be able to travel to anyones "world"

I can Imagine AP's Set Being a long Beach or... There are some good arty theme scenes at
www.google.com/help/ig/art/gallery.html for www.igoogle.com Banners (Mine is a Bus stop!)

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If Google come anywhere close I shall use this.

Why?

From your link,
It's kind of a combination between anime and a Disney movie, with wide-eyed avatars and colorful, angular scenery.

This seems to be aimed at teens, Mike. I asked my 18 year old daughter about it, and she said it's similar to habbohotel, which mainly attracts teenaged girls. You can make little avatars, decorate rooms etc. She thought both sites were aimed at kids of about 14 or 15 years.

I've seen Habbo running and yes I agree its similar..Though its early days yet and B) its on Beta...Lets see what happens?

Brief update. Had a quick play around with it and it looks quite good. Not many controls animation is Good though you have to "Pick up" your avatar to move it (like a toy soldier)
Room layouts are generous in size. Unknown what capacity in avatars they'll take.
The Program lets you look in other Public rooms and you can move things about and add stuff if the room controls allow it.
Only Con is the Usual XXX or near XXX rooms are starting to appear and Yes, they are at the top of the list and viewable (if they are unlocked?!)
Apart from that it runs smooth, and looks good. Still a lot to discover

Tip...Update your Flash version To at least version 9.0.124 (only a tiny download)www.filehippo.com/download_flashplayer_ie/4007/

I'm Running version 10 which is a Beta but is stable There are 2 versions 1 optimized for IE the other is the standalone installer for Firefox, Opera and other Gecko-based browsers.

Older versions of the Flash player can be downloaded from Adobe at http://www.adobe.com/go/tn_14266