Google begins trials of Wave

Google is set to begin the first trials of its new Wave collaboration tool created by the Sydney-based developers behind Google Maps.

The company said that 30 September would be the first day for the invite-only trial of the tool.

Wave has been in a closed developer trial since its introduction on May.

Google first introduced Wave in May. The online collaboration service aims to allow users to share text and media files in a single online space. When the service was first previewed, Google said that the aim of Wave was to create a new medium for communication online.

Among the first to use the service will be select developers, Google Apps customers and members of the public who volunteered to take part in the trial.

The company noted that while the service was in a closed trial, users will be asked to recommend others for the service.

"We'll ask some of these early users to nominate people they know also to receive early invitations, Google Wave is a lot more useful if your friends, family and colleagues have it too," wrote Google engineering manager Lars Rasmussen and group product manager Stephanie Hannon in a company blog posting.

"If all goes well we will soon be inviting many more to try out Google Wave."

Developers were said to have approached creation of Wave as a project to rethink and update current communication methods such as instant messaging and email.