Google seems to have used its experience that it had gained from the failure of Google Buzz to launch Google+ (read Google Plus) – its new social networking service that it launched last week. Google Plus is said to compete directly against Facebook and is rumored to be the one that will put a stop to Twitter’s success.
Google Plus is divided into a bunch of services. This is different and new considering how Google is used to having all services under one umbrella. Google says that its new social networking product will allow users to maintain their own social networking agenda rather than Google maintaining it, a.k.a giving users the social power.
Google+ is an organized blend of five core features called +Circles, +Sparks, +Hangouts, +Mobile, +Huddle and each of which caters the various needs of social networking.
Google +Circles allows users to share their information and data with other social network based sites to create their own circle of preference. Once can gather friends into different circles and meet with people within their own fields of interest. Google says, “From close family to foodies, we found that people already use real-life circles to express themselves, and to share with precisely the right folks. So we did the only thing that made sense: we brought Circles to software. Just make a circle, add your people, and share what’s new—just like any other day”
Google +Sparks is a chatting tool for people with similar interests. Users can post threads and continue interacting with other users for that thread by replying to those threads. This is what Google has to say about it. “The web, of course, is filled with great content—from timely articles to vibrant photos to funny videos. And great content can lead to great conversations. We noticed, however, that it’s still too hard to find and share the things we care about—not without lots of work, and lots of noise. So, we built an online sharing engine called Sparks.”
Google +Hangouts is a awesome video conferencing service offered by Google+. Users can start a video call with their friends in their +Circles by sending a video chat invite. Google says, “With Google+ we wanted to make on-screen gatherings fun, fluid and serendipitous, so we created Hangouts. By combining the casual meetup with live multi-person video, Hangouts lets you stop by when you’re free, and spend time with your Circles. Face-to-face-to-face.”
Google +Mobile is a Google mobile client that allows Google+ to share media including photos and videos using their smart phones. Google has already released their Android app for Google+ and its iPad and iPhone app will be out soon.
Google +Huddle is Google’s group messaging service for Google+ users. Huddle+ makes group text chats possible. Google realizes that phone calls and text messages more importantly are the most convenient form of communication.
As of today, Goolge+ registration is only by invite. We are trying to get some to give out invites here to our users. Please stay tuned!
What about Facebook, I am sure this is challenged as well?