Have you ever watch VH1’s Pop-up Videos? Wouldn’t it be great if similar informative comment boxes popped up on in your Internet browser? Well, I discovered a tool, Browzmi, that uses this ‘pop-up’ concept by integrating instant messaging and web surfing all in the same browser, and in real-time. Even though you and your friends are sharing and discussing the same web site in real-time, users are not actually sharing one single screen (so your friends or other users can never control your browser).

Browzmi is a free app that doesn’t require downloading, and is compatible with Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer and Safari. Users can communicate with friends while watching movies, discovering new music and playing games. This tool also offers a bookmarklet, which allows users to open any viewed page in Browzmi and share with others. Other features include voting and commenting on sites, grabbing pictures for photo sharing, and a sidebar full of widgets like YouTube and Flickr.

Currently the application can be synced with a user’s Facebook. Browzmi is working on incorporating AOL, MSN, and Yahoo chat features to maximize the friend sharing experience.

Buzz Meter Ranking: 3 out of 4 Buzz Bees

Positive: The registering process was so easy and the interface is very inviting. I love the three-pane structure of Browzmi and how organized it is. I can view what every user is commenting/voting on, or if I want to just see my friends or my own, I have that option too. And as simple as it may be, being able to find the on and off button for sound is great! The team at Browzmi is also wonderful. Thank you Travis Parsons for welcoming me and answering my questions.

Negative: As with an open sharing service, the only major concern is privacy. Even though Browzmi offers users the ability to make their streams public or private, the whole network still has the capability to review your online activity.

Conclusion: I really enjoyed sharing and surfing the web with my friends all in real-time. Browzmi saves me from having to minimize my screen in order to fit my instant message box all on my desktop. Browzmi is just plain fun and I can’t wait for all of the chat services additions and emoticons!