Google Buys Micro-Blogging Service Jaiku

Continuing to expand its stable of mobile-oriented services, Google has announced it has acquired Finnish micro-blogging service Jaiku.

Internet juggernaut Google continues its series of acquisitions designed to enhance its mobile and social networking services portfolio, announcing via its official blog that it has acquired Finland-based micro-blogging and social networking service Jaiku for an undisclosed amount.

Jaiku is one of the leaders in a new social-oriented application wave sometimes called micro-blogging: users are encourages to send short snippets to the service describing what they’re up to: friends can follow each others postings and keep tabs on their buddies throughout the day. Micro-blogging services are popular with mobile phone users, who can send and receive quick updates via text messaging and keep up on all their friends; privacy settings let users determine who can see what. Jaiku’s rivals in the space include Twitter and Pownce.

According to Google, current Jaiku users can continue to use the service as they have been, and folks interested in joining the services can sign up to receive an invitation to join when the service is ready to expand, although no timeframes have been given. Jaiku launched its service in mid-2006, and currently offers client software for Nokia Series 60 mobile devices.