Top Web 2.0 Services On The Internet

Web 2.0 is the second generation of Web development and Internet services that saw the transformation of Web design from static to dynamic web pages. This technology, which has revolutionised the Internet, emphasises direct interaction between a Web site and its user through creativity, information sharing and collaboration.

Although the Web 2.0 technology has been criticised by some as taking user-interaction with the Internet too far and promoting amateurism, developers are already working on building the next generation of Web technology, Web 3.0. This article will however take a look at some of the top Web 2.0 services on the Internet today.

1. Wikipedia is a free content encyclopedia that uses the wiki software system, which allows multiple authors (users) to create, edit and organise Web content collectively. It is currently the most popular wiki on the Internet.
2. Facebook is a social utility that allows anyone with an email address to open an account, find friends, share profiles, information and content with other users. According to a January 2009 Compete.com study, Facebook is ranked as the most used social-networking site in the World.
3. YouTube is a video sharing website that allows registered users to upload and share unlimited number of videos with both registered and unregistered users.  YouTube services can also be used on some smart phones, dependent on the network provider and the user’s data plan.
4. Spotify is a free peer-to-peer music streaming service that allows registered users play and listen to almost any  tracks or albums, with little or no noticeable buffering delay. The service allows music to be browsed by artist, album, direct searches or play-lists.
5. Pandora is an automated music recommendation and Internet radio service. It allows users to enter a song or artist and responds by playing similar music selections. Users can then provide feedback on approval or disapproval of songs played. The service, like Spotify, is available free for registered users (with advertisements). Presently, access is restricted to the U.S. due to licensing constraints.
6. Muzu.tv is a new music television site, which allows users to watch, create and share music video play-lists. Users are encouraged to create a personalised music TV channel for free with multiple video play-lists in one player. In addition, the site allows bands and artists to earn money from their video through advertising revenue share partnership with MUZU.
7. CanYouRunIt? is a free service that automatically analyses a PC’s software and hardware to determine if it can run a product especially computer games. The service evaluates every component of the computer and recommends how the system can be upgraded or updated if the minimum requirements for running the product are not met.

Talking Point

The above is just a few of many Web 2.0 services available on the Internet. Do you know any other Web 2.0 service that is worth mentioning or adding to the list?