For more than 5 years, Facebook has held a monopoly over all the social networks. Launched in February 2004, it has single handedly destroyed the likes of Hi5, MySpace and the lesser known bebo.
As of July 2011, Facebook has more than 750 million active users, making it the 3rd most populated "country" in the world. Arguably, Facebook has changed the way we are. You write on someone's *wall*, you *like* someone's status, you *facebook* someone (I'm pretty sure we've all used "I'll facebook you"). It truly is more than just another social networking website.
But now, after years of being the leaders of the social media, Facebook would be apprehensive of the new phenomenon called Google+.
Google+, as you guessed, is a social networking website designed by Google. It is still in the trial beta mode, and will be launched shortly for the public at large. Google CEO Larry Page announced recently that Google+ has already attracted 10 million members on its website. This is a staggering figure.
So what's new that Google+ has, which Facebook doesn't?
1. Google+'s homepage is very similar to what Facebook's users are familiar and comfortable with - like updates from friends, photo uploads, events etc.With Circles, Google has tried to set itself apart from Facebook. While your information you post in Facebook is shared immediately to those who are in your friend list, Circles allows one to choose people we want to share information with. In fact, users can make groups for sharing information such as parents, close friends, casual acquaintances, and so on.
2. With an instant upload feature, one can easily upload pictures that he is taking with his camera (of course when he so wishes). This is in sharp contrast with Facebook where uploading of photos and videos takes an eternity and members get bored. The slogan “share just the right things with just the right people” says it all.
3. “Hangouts” is a new feature that allows you to disclose your location to chosen friends and then wait to see who drops by to join the fun.
4. Sparks is the feature that allows you to post your likes and dislikes and the app automatically sends you latest and exciting news and offers on your likes. It could be on music, books, fashion or a category made by you.
5. Huddle is another feature that allows users to chat instantly with many friends at the same time unlike windows that are created in Facebook chat. All friends drop down to a single chat and you feel you are in the midst of your friends. Unlike Facebook, you do not jump from one window to another or reply wrongly to your friends.
There is also the use of Web 3.0, which Google+ is introducing to the world. Web 3.0 will certainly be worth a look. Privacy is another big advantage which Google+ has over Facebook.
Only time will tell if Google+ can take on the might of Facebook, but it certainly has attractive features to lure potential members. With features like Skype video call and Chat members side bars, you can see Facebook will not give up without a fight. We'll just have to see which giant prevails.
If you're looking for Google certification courses, Firebrand Training has launched Google Conversion Professional, Google Conversion Professional Introduction and Google Maps API Developer
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