Google Launches Into Social Networking with Google+
Google has likely dominated your email account and search engine use over the past years, but the Mountain View company has been lagging behind their crosstown rivals in the social networking department for quite some time. All that could change with the unveiling of Google+ this week.
Currently in limited release beta mode, Google+ features personal profiles complete with your photo, occupation, education and list of friends. It allows you to update your status, post photos, embed videos and show you like something with their new +1 button. It also allows you to follow a news stream so you can follow what your friends are up to.
But how does Google+ distinguish itself from Facebook? The new social network includes three unique features known as Circles, Sparks and Hangouts. Circles allows users to sort the people in their life into groups like friends, family and acquaintances. Sparks is a tailor made news stream news from particular circles or chosen areas of interest. Hangouts is an online space for up to ten people to have a live video chat.
To get involved now, you will need to be invited by a Google+ user. But don't worry if you don't know one yet, odds are with the amount of online attention Google+ is getting, you soon will.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=xwnJ5Bl4kLI
- CP Picks: The Editor's Gift Guide —What the CP Team Is Giving (and Hoping to Receive)
- CP Picks: The Best Gifts for Arts Lovers — From Gallery Prints to Music Gigs
- CP Picks: The Best Gifts for People Who Are Never Home — According to Travel Writers
- CP Picks: From Hot Sauce to Handblown Glasses — Small-Batch Gifts for Big Foodies
- The Best Restaurants in Sydney to Take Your Dad This Father's Day (or Any Day)
- Twenty-Five Exceptional Films by Indigenous Australian Filmmakers That You Can Stream Right Now