It seems like everyone has been talking about Google+ lately, a new
social networking conglomerate developed by the giant Internet search
engine Google. Although the platform is still in its field trial stage
and is available by invitation only, there is already a large buzz about
the product. So, what makes Google+ different from Facebook, the
current most popular social networking site?
Through its three main features Circles, Hangouts, and Sparks, Google+ differentiates itself because it
1) Gives the user more privacy by allowing him or her to be in full control of what is shared
2) Has a group video chat feature
3) Allows the user to uncover content rather than purely share content
For the Facebook crowd at large who is unfamiliar with Google+, here is a quick glimpse into the nuts and bolts of the new site.
The Stream
Once you get the invite, (the word is that there are currently tens of
millions of users, so ask around chances are you probably know someone
who is using it) just sign in with your Gmail, Picassa, or Youtube
account. You are then prompted to create your personal profile, which
consists of a profile picture, introduction, education, employment,
places lived, etc.
On the home screen, there is a GChat bar on the left side and a black
bar at the top of the page that connects with Gmail, Calendar, Docs,
Photo, Reader, and Web. Below this, there are four tabs that are quite
similar to Facebook: Home, Photos, Profile, and Circles. The vast
majority of the screen is taken up by a live news feed with comment and
+1, or the like, capability of your Circless activities. But wait
what exactly is this Circles mechanism that keeps being referred to?
Circles
One of the three main features of Google+ is Circles. Circles allow you
to sort your contacts into groups, including but not limited to friends,
family, acquaintances, and following (like Twitter). Ever go through
your 1000+ Facebook friends and not know who certain people are and how
you met them? Have no fear Google+ will keep your contacts organized.
Additionally, Circles allows you to easily share posts and pictures with
only a specific group of people. There is also the option of adding
friends without a Google+ account to a circle, in which they will
receive your posts via email. By giving the user control of essentially
every post shared, Google+ can be as private or public as you want it to
be.
Hangouts
The Hangout tool is a video chat function. After downloading Googles
Voice and Video Installer, you have the capability to create a Hangout
and invite up to ten people in your network to chat. Rather than
planning Skype sessions in advance, Google+ posts that you are hanging
out in the live stream and gives others the chance to jump in. Another
appealing feature of Hangouts is the ability for Groups to watch Youtube
videos or movies together.
An analogous application to Hangouts, the Huddle feature allows users to
group chat through text. This can be useful for creating plans for the
night or making decisions on a work related project.
Sparks
Sparks allows you to not only share content, but also to discover it. By
typing your interests into the Sparks page that appears in your
sidebar, you can stumble external sites that are of importance to you.
Generally, these include current articles, videos, and other relevant
content. Specifically, when I clicked on Recipes, which is one of the
current featured interests, I was directed to Foodmakers May Change
Recipes to Cut Fat for Fare Advertised to Children,New Restaurant
Shares a New Blueberry Pie Recipe, and more. You can also share your
favorite links from Sparks and from anywhere on the web for that matter
onto your Wall.
More on Google+
Similar to other social media sites, Google+ is available for those on
the go. The native mobile app currently is available for the Android,
but the web app is accessible for all smartphones, and SMS is coming
soon.
It is still undecided when Google+ will be fully available to the
public, for Google+ representatives have stated, How long the testing
phase lasts, and how the product evolves, will really depend on how it
goes. We dont have a set amount of time (Google+ Press Site).
But, for those who have already snagged the invite, this ultimate
question remains: Will you switch to Google+ or stay with Facebook
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