Get a Lively life, with Google avatars

Google has unveiled an online 3D social arena called Lively, the internet giant's take on Second Life.

Second Life requires users to download and install a separate "client" software package that taps into the online world. Lively also requires a download and installation - Windows only for now - but then people can use Internet Explorer or Firefox to enter the virtual world.

Niniane Wang, Google's engineering manager for the project, said: "It's integrated with the internet. It's not an alternate destination. Our intention is to add to your existing life."

Integration with the internet takes several forms. Users can pipe in content hosted elsewhere on the internet, including photos or videos. Users can also embed their Lively area into a blog or, using Google widgets, on MySpace and Facebook social networking sites.

According to Wang, Lively intends to bring better social dimension to online interaction.

Wang said: "We think there is a desire to socialise in this way. We hope this product will help them do that."

Original article: With Lively, Google tries its own 'Second Life' from CNET News.com