Facebook just announced options for “messaging” others (Wired account). The system is designed to be simpler that traditional email (within Facebook), but compatible with traditional email when communicating outside of the Facebook environment. In some ways and probably purposefully so, the system offers alternatives to the multiple communication options available from within the Gmail environment. If nothing else, those who use Gmail and Facebook may now find Gmail services redundant. So, Facebook offers social networking and communication, and Google has no competing social networking presence.