Status Update: Google's Gmail to Offer Facebook-Like Messaging

Google Inc. is planning to introduce new features to Gmail this week that will introduce more social networking functionality to allow it to compete with Facebook and Twitter, according to the New York Times.

Gmail users, for example, will be able to post quick messages about their activities, similar to the status updates of other social networking tools, according to a New York Times story, which cited a person at Google briefed on the plans.

Google is expected to host a launch event later Tuesday to detail the changes, according to reports.

It is unclear whether Google will link the Gmail features to Facebook, Twitter and other tools, or what other limits might be placed on the Gmail widget.

Google appears to be seeking to capitalize on the increasing popularity of status updates, which have become more en vogue with teenagers than blogging, according to a survey released last week by the Pew Internet & American Life Project.

Google has long sought to expand its Gmail service beyond e-mail, as users can now chat and see who is online via Gmail.

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