Last week Google released Google Wave to a large number of developers. Wave purports to combine several functions into one package.

For example, a person can correlate e-mails and instant messaging with Internet phone calls using a plug-in called Ribbit, or record long ongoing threads of communications of various types to share later with anyone he might choose to invite. There are many ways this service could be used once it is in final form.

Detractors of Wave say that it's too complicated to become popular, while its defenders say it will save time and effort. Integration of separate functions into one solution is a definite trend, whether or not Wave succeeds. For example, recent releases of plug-ins for the popular business e-mail client Outlook include many that add Twitter posts to e-mail lists, as well as Facebook status updates. We'll see more of this type of thing as time goes on.

One of the more common online topics these days is the apparent falling out between Google and Apple. While both companies deny they have had any problems, they do seem to now be in direct competition with each other in more areas.

Last week Apple announced it had purchased online map company PlaceBase, perhaps as early as in July. This puts them at odds with Google Maps and gives the iPhone added power in location technology. It has been said many times that the medium is the message.

With events like this becoming more common, you can now say the cell phone is the computer. These devices are morphing into miniature computing powerhouses, and the rumored upcoming Tablet PCs from various companies will further urge more power in smaller devices.

Speaking of one thing morphing into another, nothing illustrates this trend better than the recent movements of social networks Facebook and Twitter. Both are making their services easier to combine with other online offerings. Last week, Facebook announced more changes to its Facebook Connect program that will simplify its use in connection with other web sites and offerings. Clearly, the social networking phenomenon is here to stay.

Check out a service called BumpTop online. For some time, they have offered a desktop-style solution for Windows PCs that expands on the common model of arranging items on a desktop. They recently announced a version of the software that runs on touch-screen devices, and it's amazing. Think iPhone meets PC, and you can imagine how it runs. If this appears on a reasonably priced Tablet PC, it will be a great success.

Beware of being too causal when it comes to sharing personal information online. As I recently mentioned, it had been proven that your identity can be deduced from as few as three pieces of personal information, even if the service you provide those two promises that you will be protected. Also, recently there have been several scams on Facebook that take the birthday posted on a user's page and use it as bait to lure friends into scams of some sort.

Being constantly aware of any change to a service and especially of offers citing your specific information is always a good idea. You should never take any security issue for granted at any time.

Finally, check out BitStrips.com. This site lets you create comic strips for the Web, and last week it added the Bitstrips For Schools service for classroom use. These types of services are fun and can be used to educate as well as entertain. Also, check out the free PrimoPDF program if you need to create Adobe PDF files.

See you next week.