Google+ Adds Competition to Facebook [ARTICLE]
Did you see it coming? Google gathered all the pieces: Gmail
Like it or not, Google+ is a strong contender for Facebook. After all, Facebook was practically an accidental success-rising out of the college social scene and quickly gaining popularity. Its rapid growth has resulted in privacy policy struggles and a moving-target interface.
Clean, Sophisticated Interface on Google+
Google+ offers practically everything Facebook offers, but it comes with the instant sophistication of features and apps that have been tried, tested and perfected over many years and with many users. The Google+ interface feels similar enough to Facebook that experienced users will feel right at home. And, Google+ offers support and guidance when and where you need it using appropriately placed “Find out more” links.
If you can not see the embedded video above please use the following link: The Google+ project: A quick look
The Leg Up for Facebook
So, why aren’t Facebook users flocking to Google+? For one thing, it is currently only available by invitation only as Google continues to refine the interface and work out some bugs. Anyone who is already on Google+ can send you an invitation, so ask around if you’re interested.
Google+ hasn’t yet tackled some of the newer Facebook features like “Ask a Question” or taking polls from your wall. Nor has Google+ rolled out the equivalent of Facebook pages, but business profiles should come soon. Games and ads are noticeably missing from Google+. Enjoy it while you can!
New and Only on Google+
Always the astute observer, Google appears to have watched and learned from Facebook and its users before launching Google+. Even though it doesn’t yet have everything that Facebook has, these features fall in the “similar-to-Facebook-but-better” category:
- Google Circles: Group people into one or more categories using a simple drag-and-drop interface. Share news on your stream with a single person, a single Circle, multiple Circles or the entire Google+ community. Want to share news with someone who isn’t on Google+? Add those people to your Circles too and tell Google+ to e-mail them with your post. On Facebook, you can group friends in lists, but the power of lists is limited especially when you compare Streams and News Feeds.
- Stream: It’s like the News Feed on Facebook, but you can quickly and easily change what you see in your stream by clicking on different Circles. If someone is following you, but they aren’t in your circle, you can view those posts in a separate area-if you want to.
- Sparks: Bored? Click on Sparks and select a special interest category. This area could show a lot of potential when Google+ integrates business profiles, advertising and games.
- Huddles: Currently only available on Android mobile machines, Huddle lets you group text and chat. An iOS app is coming soon. Facebook can accomplish similar mobile chatting through third-party or custom apps.
- Hangouts: Meet face-to-face with up to 10 friends. Chat via typing or talking and watch YouTube videos simultaneously. Be careful who you invite to your Hangout because you can’t kick them out. Facebook currently has video calling and will likely explore more ways to integrate Skype.
- Google+ Location: Any Google+ post-from a web browser or mobile app-can include your current location. On Facebook, this feature is only available from the mobile app.
As a social network, Google+ shows a lot of promise, but until it amasses more users, it isn’t all that “social.” It takes a little time to learn your way around, choose your privacy and notification settings and expand your circles, but Google+ is definitely one to watch.
