The new service, called Google Buzz, allows Gmail users to share updates, photos and videos as on Facebook and other social networking sites.

Google Inc is tapping its huge network of Gmail users and Web surfers to create a Buzz that it hopes will help it catch up with online social networking leaders Facebook and Twitter.

Social games could be the perfect addition to Google's new social networking service.

Google plunged into the world of social networking on Tuesday, melding pieces of Facebook and Twitter into a new feature, Google Buzz.

Google Inc. opened a new social hub in its e-mail service on Tuesday, leaving little doubt that the Internet search leader is girding for a face-off with Facebook.

Google dove into the deep end of social networking this morning with the announcement of Google Buzz. In addition to providing a platform for users to share information, status updates, pictures, and videos with their social network, Google also wants enterprises to embrace Buzz as a business tool.

Google may be busy buzzing about new services this week, but behind the scenes, the G-Team is quietly working to fine-tune its last major endeavor.

Taking aim at Facebook and Twitter, Google (NasdaqGS:GOOG - News) on Tuesday launched Buzz, which will let users keep others abreast of their thoughts and online activity.

Google announced Google Buzz today, a service intended for the social networking crowd that turns a normal Gmail account into a social media powerhouse.

Google Inc co-founder Sergey Brin said on Tuesday it has become "very hard to operate" in China, but he is optimistic that the Internet company can continue to "open up information for everyone everywhere, free of political censorship."