Google Wave Looks Impressive

I spent a rather geeky evening last night watching an hour and a half demo of Google’s new Wave product. It takes an updated look at web-based communication and combines email, chat, wiki and real-time collaboration into one slick package. Here’s a link to the Youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_UyVmITiYQ

I have been thinking a lot about web-based apps etc. lately and the possibility of moving away from purchased apps and dependence on a desktop OS towards platform independent web apps. I love the idea of students choosing their own computer, own platform, using Mac or Linux or Windows as needed and doing more in the browser. This looks like a leap in that direction.