Google has just released its new social network, called Google+ (as in “Google Plus”). Tech bloggers are calling this Google’s biggest attempt to rival Facebook. For the moment, it’s an invite-only service, still being tested. This release strategy is similar to Google’s launch of Gmail several years ago.
Many of Google+’s features are similar to Facebook’s news feed – allowing users the ability to share text, photos and links. The “plus” feature, which you’ve undoubtedly started to see around the web, functions exactly like the Facebook “like” and will post articles you’ve “+1”-ed to your wall or just indicate that you’ve enjoyed something a friend has shared.
Google+ promises to make organizing and grouping your friends easier with their “Circles” feature. Friends you’ve added to circles cannot see which circles they’ve been added to – that’s for your eyes only.
Similar to Twitter, you can follow whoever you’d like – they do not have to follow you back. However, easy-to-use privacy controls allow users to simply chose who they share things with. They can choose to share things with everyone, only people in their circles, or with people in specific circles.
Google+ also has integrated an instant message feature that works exactly the same as the chat feature in Gmail, which is very similar to the chat feature in Facebook. Additionally, Google+ has introduced “Hangouts” which are like a group video chat feature.
What does this mean for businesses?
Nothing – yet. Later this year, Google is planning on releasing a full program for businesses later this year. Google promises that this program will feature in-depth analytics and the ability to integrate your business page with other Google programs, such as AdWords.
In the meantime, have you received an invite and signed up but not sure where to start? Here’s a handy cheat sheet that explains some of Google+’s basic features (via Mashable).
