Google's Schemer is a new Web service that lets people conduct tasks and record those activities on Schemer.com. Google will likely offer incentives for goals achieved later.
Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) may have shuttered its Slide social
software unit in favor of Google+, but that doesn't mean the big search and
social network provider doesn't have room for some social side projects.
A team at Google has created Schemer, which press have
described as being anything from an
activity recommendation engine to a
social goal management tool. Basically, it's a Web service that lets users plan
fun activities, complete them and share their experiences of completing those activities with others.
Some examples of Schemer tasks include playing the large
piano at FAO Schwarz in New York City or taking a bike ride up to Hawk Hill in
San Francisco.
Those more inclined to have fun on the couch may elect to watch
every movie made by acclaimed director Christopher Nolan, purveyor of the new,
dark Batman films.
"Whether it's exploring a new city, checking out a friend's movie recommendations, or just finding new activities for your weekends, Schemer lets you discover new things to do, share schemes with friends, and make the most of your day,"
goes the Schemer pitch on Google+. "Schemer is based on a simple yet
powerful concept: schemes. A scheme is any activity you'd like to do."
Schemers select "I want to do it" to save the
scheme for later and tip friends off that they're interested in participating.
Once finished, users select "I've done it" on Schemer, which will record
it in a list of accomplishments. Schemer will over time recommend new schemes
tailored to users' interests.
Google's Schemer cohorts for suggesting new things to do include TV stations such as
Bravo, Entertainment Weekly and the Food Network, as well as Websites such as Lifehacker
and Parenting.com, and magazines such as Rolling Stone and Google's own review
service Zagat.
This may seem frivolous, if not pointless, in the early going. What is the motivation for recording the completion of fun
activities on another Website? Isn't that what most people do on Facebook, or even Google+?
It's quite possible Google will make Schemer into a game, awarding points
that players may redeem at participating retailers in the form of discounts or
deals. Perhaps it will be integrated with Google Offers, the company's daily
deals service.
Like Gmail and other Google products before it, Schemer
is in beta and available by invite only. Those interested may request an invite
at the
Schemer Website and follow
Schemer on Google+.
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