Google has announced a social sharing project called Google+ to compete with the seemingly unstoppable Facebook. It seems BIG. Big enough to make Facebook worried? Not sure about that but there are some VERY creative features with Google+ that I am really excited about and can’t wait to give it a try.
“Circles” is how Google handles the topic of selective sharing of your content. You can organize everyone according to their real-life social connections (ie. Family, Work, Friends, Motorcycle Buddies, Mountain Bike Buddies, etc.). Sometimes you want to only share your content with just a select “Circle” of people (and in a much faster and easier fashion that with Facebook). Your contact information, location, and relationship information can be selectively visible for certain circles as well allowing for a lot of privacy options.
“Sparks” is a way for you to find news videos and blog posts on subjects by keywords. Additionally, you can engage with others in discussions.
“Hangouts” is a pretty neat video conferencing system. It allows up to 10 simultaneous people to come and go as they please and join the hangout.
“Instant Upload” is where you share your photos. But Google goes further and lets you (with your permission) sends every picture you take on your phone to a private album in the cloud. Then later you can share them as you see fit. GPS location is an option as well.
“Huddle” is a group text messaging system that works with your “Circles” of people so it’s easy to keep everyone in the loop in a discussion.
