Google+ the New Facebook?

If you haven’t heard Google+ mentioned over the last few weeks, where have you been?

Although Google have tried to downplay the launch, its new social network is here, and users have been clamouring for an invite to its trial.

Unlike thousands of other social networks’ attempts to knock Facebook from the top, the buzz around Google+ is indicating that it has real legs and here at Appeal we have all been trying it out.

Although in the early stages, we’ve been impressed with what we’ve seen so far. The network is very intuitive, structured in a similar way to Facebook and the combination of concepts are generally sound more complex than they actually are to use. Google already have a strong hold over internet users as the world’s most popular search engine and judging by the positive feedback of Google+ so far, it is going to be difficult for internet users to avoid this new network in the future!

So what makes it different?

Google+ attempts to couple with Google’s strong current offering, its search function. However instead of isolating a search, relevant information can be shared with friends, family and acquaintances. If you are a Google user, you may have noticed +1 icons appearing next to each suggested site of a search. These are similar to Facebook ‘Like’ buttons. However the difference with the +1 icon is that recommendations are only shared when users search for relevant content, instead of being shared with everyone. Google + users can then choose their contacts’ recommended sites, visible in search results.

The second feature is the use of ‘Circles’. The basic ones are friends, family and acquaintances but these can be created and named yourself and the best thing is the contact will never know which Circle you have placed them in! Information can then be shared with whichever Circle you specify. This bridges the gap between networks such as Facebook and LinkedIn by giving you the capacity to have your personal and professional contacts all in one place.

A feature we are yet to try (mainly because most of our friends are yet to join!) is ‘Hangout’, which is basically a group video chat. This works for up to 10 people and lets everyone in your chosen Circle know that you’re interested in chatting.

Aswell as adding new features, Google have tried to make some of Facebook’s best features, such as its ability to share photographs, a little bit easier to use. Instead of patiently waiting for pictures to upload, all photos taken on a mobile device are automatically uploaded to a private album and photos can then be shared with whichever Circle or individual you choose.

The final significant feature is called ‘Huddle’. A feature on the app that allows you to group message and this is available on all Android and iPhone devices.

Have you had chance to use Google+ yet? Is it enough to make you move away from Facebook?