Google wants to become the king of the social networking world and makes a huge step towards this goal. The Internet giant which has recently introduced the +1 button globally, launched the Google+ project created to “bring the nuance and richness of real-life sharing to software” and “make Google better by including you, your relationships, and your interests.” The new network, which is now not open for free registration (at this stage, users can join in only by invitations), is running in test mode and has some ‘rough edges,’ which are sure to be fixed over some time. The Google + includes a range of services, allowing people connect with their friends online, and is good just for every social-related activity performed online.
In the press release, Google stated that the new network will feature:
+Circles, which will enable users to share information selectively, within the groups, not with just everyone on the friend list. “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,” says Google.
+Sparks online sharing engine provides users with content relevant to their interests so that they always have something to discuss with their people within circles. “Thanks to Google’s web expertise, Sparks delivers a feed of highly contagious content from across the Internet. On any topic you want, in over 40 languages. Simply add your interests, and you’ll always have something to watch, read and share—with just the right circle of friends.”
+Hangouts makes on-screen multi-personal meetings with people from all around the globe a usual thing. Thanks to this new feature, which is a challenger to Skype, people can meet their buddies online just like in pubs or at parties. “With Hangouts, the unplanned meet-up comes to the web for the first time. Let buddies know you’re hanging out and see who drops by for a face-to-face-to-face chat. Until we perfect teleportation, it’s the next best thing.”
+Mobile is created for sharing fresh photos, locations and sending messages in real-time within one group using mobile devices. For example, +Huddle, which is part of this service, is a perfect tool to inform all the members of one group about something at a time and have a chat altogether. “Phone calls and text messages can work in a pinch, but they’re not quite right for getting the gang together. So Google+ includes Huddle, a group messaging experience that lets everyone inside the circle know what’s going on, right this second.”
The new service seems to be huge and hilarious, encompassing just everything a person can need for online interaction with his or her friends. Does it mean that Facebook and Twitter, the two most popular social networks, will have to retire? Users will decide, so everything here is up to +You.