Google today publicly launched its new online virtual community product Lively. With full 3D avatars and environments, Lively is structured not unlike Second Life. The product is not limited to a single website however, and an application exists for Facebook with a version for MySpace in the works.

"We know people already spend a lot of time online socializing, so we just want to try to make it more enjoyable," said Niniane Wang, Google engineering manager.

Those interested in Lively who are over the age of 13 are invited to download the software packet at Lively.com.