While most everyone else is following the current race for the White House, there is another contest that's captured my attention --, the race for platform superiority between Twitter, Pownce and Seesmic. Didn't know such a race was going on? Well, it is, or will be at least.
In the event these terms hold little meaning to you, all three are social networking and micro-blogging applications that allows users to send updates to their respective networks of friends.
Some have referred to them as "presence" applications because they epitomize the real-time nature of the Web giving users the ability to communicate right now. They are sort a cross between instant messaging and blogging. They are also very addictive... like digital crack cocaine!
Twitter has, up to this point, been the clear leader among the three. But, Pownce was in beta and only open to those who received an invitation. It's now out of beta and anyone who wishes to can sign up.
Pownce vs. Twitter
Pownce is a more elegant looking app than Twitter. It sort of reminds me of the difference between MySpace and Facebook. Plus, Pownce offers users the ability to not only share messages and links the same as Twitter, but events and files such as video as well. That extra functionality has got to have some impact. On top of that, it doesn't impose the 140 character limit which is Twitter's hallmark.
Twitter vs. Seesmic
Those of you familiar with Seesmic may be asking what any of this got to do with that particular app?
Keeping in mind that Seesmic is still in alpha-test mode and only available to those who've received an invitation, let me explain.
Seesmic is a video version of Twitter. That sort of makes it a different animal and one which will have great appeal to videophiles. Admittedly, even though I've not gotten into it as much as I'd like to, there is a small camera revolution going on and Internet video is without question truly the next big thing on the net.
Some are suggesting, however, that once Twitter adds video it will be a Seesmic killer. Others aren't so sure, due to Seesmic's unique features which, they say, truly make it unique. Still, considering Twitter's current popularity, one has to wonder if the day comes when video is added will it not negatively impact Seesmic.
Twitter Troubles
Of course, Twitter may lose steam with users for the simple fact that it crashes...a lot! If this problem can't be remedied and quickly, now that Pownce is open for anyone to use, I won't be surprised if a sizable number of folks make the shift over. Social media folks are a fickle lot!
Here's what I perceive to be the essential factors in this race to platform superiority.
- Pownce is out of beta and offers a nice set of features. Plus, it doesn't impose the 140 character limit that Twitter does.
- Twitter is suffering from frequently recurring technical difficulties, which is frustrating users to no end.
- If Twitter is able to overcome those difficulties and does in the near future add video, it will pose a threat to upstart Seesmic.
- Seesmic has received a lot of positive attention from bloggers and the press and will have great appeal to those who love video.
Is this a topic worth following? I think so, if for no other reason than millions of people use these apps, or will be. I would like to hear from you. What are your thoughts? Is there a race, or am I charging at windmills?
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