With unprecedented brand power and a familiar layout (look like Facebook to you?), Google+ has generated explosive interest over the last six weeks. Currently, users must have an invitation to join, but even with this hurdle, the Google+ user base has already grown to 20 million. An astonishing number, considering this is just the test group.
Google+: The Basics
We wanted to introduce you to some of the features Google+ is offering so you can see what all the fuss is about.
Circles is a feature that allows you to group your online connections so you can share information with only that group. It will allow you to create a group of like-minded users instead of broadcasting everything to the same group of friends or followers, like you would on Facebook or Twitter. This way, Grandma doesn’t have to know about how you rocked Friday night beer pong, but you can still look cool to all your bros.
Sparks is a sharing feature that allows you to add your interests like hiking, cooking, and karate and share information about these interests with particular groups of friends or “circles”. Again, it allows you to share your excitement about that amazing new video game expansion pack with only those who are interested.
Hangouts is a set of communications tools that allows real-time chat, including instant messaging and groups of up to 10 people by video. Google+ dance party, anyone?
Instant Upload automatically uploads your photos and videos as you take them – wait, wait, wait, I don’t want everyone seeing all my pictures. Instant Upload uploads photos and videos you take with your phone to a private album on Google+, where it's easy for you to approve and share the ones you want everyone to see.
Huddle is a group messaging feature that lets you group chat amongst everyone within a particular circle. Make plans with your closest friends all in one place at one time!
Small business, Google+ is thinking about you too! Though the business pages have not yet been released, Google representatives have stated that the business pages will be better than anything else out there. So, is Facebook the next has-been?
