Google+

There is a lot of interest in the new social networking platform from Google, called Google + . The beta version was launched recently and already it’s over subscribed and closed to new users. The big question is will it eclipse Facebook?
The potential is there. We have seen mass migrations in the past but not on this scale. It will need some pretty nifty footwork by Google to make Facebook users move over in force. The new functions developed by Google+, such as Circles, Hangouts, Sparks and Photos are all compelling apps but will they be enough to make people change their engrained Facebook habits?

I don’t believe we are seeing the whole package from Google+ yet. Google has been developing their wide range of applications and sites into a more united brand, simplifying and standardising their user interfaces. These applications will have increased centralised functionality if used through Google+ and when used by a highly active userbase (prevalent in social networking sites) we will see people getting more from their social networking. It’s similar to how mobile phones have increased functionality – it’s now the turn of social networking sites.

The acid test for Google+ and any other network is ‘take-up’. Are these functions worth moving for? My guess is that they probably are. Especially when viewed on the new tablets/touch screens. Facebook won’t sit back and watch this happen, already we are seeing new tie-ins with other sites such as Snapfish.

Google is looking to collect more information from their user base. They need this information to generate more income via increased targeted advertising. A social network is a perfect place to collect this data. This is going to be a fascinating battlefield.