I can't believe nobody's posted about this yet.
Yes, while the rise of another new social networking tool is becoming more of an annoying news feature than a cool announcement, Google's recently revealed that they're making a new site, aptly named "Google+". It's currently in closed beta and even if you somehow manage to obtain an invite to it, you won't get in; all of the available slots have been taken (or at least that's the rumor).
You can take an interactive tour
here. Here's what I really like about the idea of Google+.
-Circles. Imagine how you keep your friends in real life; in circles. You have a circle for close friends, one for acquaintances, one for co-workers, and one for your boss (smart move). This idea, while requiring a little more work initially, is a really good one in my opinion. Especially since you can share things with INDIVIDUAL GROUPS. Say, for instance, you want to share your family photos with only your family. No problem, just go to that circle and share away without fear of your co-workers seeing photos of your embarrassingly drunken Uncle Marty dressed as Santa hitting on everything and everybody in the living room! The rumors won't get around and you'll still have an intact professional look on your resume. +1 to Google for that!
But, as with everything, there is one unfortunate thing about this; people can still share your posts with others. While this seems like a bad thing, keep in mind that there's simply NO WAY to prevent the sharing of any content whatsoever. People can screen grab, print, share, email and do all sorts of other crap to share potentially awkward photos/postings with ANYBODY. This is why you should be smart and not post risque photos of your self anywhere. So, stop complaining about "privacy issues" (obviously you've got some if you insist on displaying your privates on the internet!) and post with intelligence! Post with netiquette!
-Huddle. This is similar to group chatting, but from your phone in a texting fashion. Not much else to say on it except that I think it will be incredibly useful.
-Instant Upload. IF you decide to use this, every photo you snap on your phone automatically uploads to a PRIVATE album on your Plus account. Granted, I really don't like the sound of it, but it does let you choose what photos to post, and they're not viewable to everyone until you publish them yourself. So really, it's almost like a back-up folder to your pictures. Just keep in mind that if you're doing something...ah...risque with your phone, it'll be uploaded...so be careful!
I personally am not thrilled about Instant Upload, but I can see where it could be useful. -1 to Google on this, I hope they make it so you can turn it off when you don't want to use it (presumably you can just close the Google+ app on your phone).
-Hangouts. Group video chats! Because we all know how popular those really are...still though, nifty idea, and if it's a group of friends who haven't been able to talk face-to-face for a while as they're away at college, it'll be used a lot. +1 to Google for getting something right the first time, unlike Facebook...
Alright, so research it for yourself and tell me what you think! I'm signing up as soon as possible, and I'm really hoping Google is smart with it and makes it less like facebook. What's funny is that Mark Zuckerburg has joined it...so even he thinks it's better!
^ Click for my Deviant page!
