Jaiku.com is a micro-blogging social networking website that allows users to post their thoughts, comments, and opinions regarding their lives or anything in general. User posts are referred to as “Jaikus” and can be made either public or private. Specifically, individuals can keep in constant touch with friends by checking friends’ profiles and by posting new updates (including photos) to their own stream of Jaikus. Jaiku can now be used to keep in touch via the web and even on mobile phones (currently compatible with the Nokia S60). The extension of Jaiku to mobile phones was made possible by the develpoment of a widget recently introduced in June 2007. Also, in Beta version, Channels is another interesting public feature that allows multiple people to post to the same Jaiku stream. The product thus has appeal for both public and private users. Ultimately, Jaiku’s emergence has made it possible for people to stay more connected, but the site is not revolutionary given the initial existence of services like Twitter.
