Google+ the New Competitor to Facebook

Looks like Facebook may have to look after itself since Google has also decided to venture into the world of social networking with the introduction of Google+. The service is initially being tested through a few users and in the coming months it will become available to the public at large. With a new black navigation bar and some social products, it transforms the whole of Google into one integrated social network.

The interface is user friendly and the design has the typical Google minimalist look. The icons are easy to understand and navigation is also quite simple. Getting to know Google+ would not take long for users.

Google+ lets you make “Circles” of friends. They can be categorized as “friends”, “family”, “acquaintances” or any other label that you may like to add. All information regarding contacts/friends is automatically picked up from your Gmail account making it easy for you to simply drag and place contact in a particular circle.

Google+ ‘Stream” is another feature which is very much like the News Feed of Facebook. Making it visible to only some particular circles or all, is entirely up to you.

“Hangouts” is a novel idea, which could mean trouble for Facebook. It is an option to group video chat through Gmail. The camera displays images of the one who is talking. The concept is very much like the old days chat room options. If users really get addicted to such hangout video sessions with their friends, then Facebook can count its days.

Through “Sparks”, Google lets users search through a variety of interests while using Google+. Just enter your area of interest and Sparks will get you all that you need on that topic.

Google has also launched mobile apps, which support Google+. The Google+ Android app displays the various Google+ features in the form of icons on the home screen. The app also lets you post images taken to Google+. The photos can also be tagged. “Huddle” is another app that is included in the main Google+ app. It basically allows group-texting in Circles.

So with some interesting features Google+ is all set to compete with Facebook. Ultimately users will decide the tilt in either’s favor.

Google+ Videos

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