It's shaping up to be another big week for social networking as Facebook and Google+ continue to try out-do each other in the tit-for-tat upgrade wars.
Google's social platform, which has been running on an invitation-only basis for the past 12 weeks, is now open to the public. The search giant has also rolled out a number of new features - including the much-awaited Google search functionality within the social network.
The fastest growing social network in history, estimated to have roughly 20 million users, has jolted Facebook out of complacency. Analysts speculate that Google forced Facebook's hand yesterday, as Facebook reacted by announcing some of its own updates prior to the f8 developer conference tomorrow.
Google's senior VP of engineering, Vic Gundotra, posted the announcement of nine new Google+ features on the official Google blog.
Apart from the long-awaited inclusion of Google Search, a number of improvements have been made to the Hangouts features. This includes mobile video chat for Android 2.3 and above devices with front-facing cameras. Google says iOS support is coming soon.
Taking to the air
Speaking to a large audience via Hangouts is now also possible with “Hangouts On Air”. The new feature adds the ability to broadcast and record video sessions.
“Once you're 'On Air', up to nine others can join your hangout (as usual), and anyone can watch your live broadcast,” says Gundotra. Google plans to kick-start this feature with an On Air Hangout with Black Eyed Peas frontman, will.i.am, today.
Other updates to Hangouts include screen-sharing, a sketchpad (for group doodling), Google Docs and Named Hangouts for public groups on certain topics.
Google left the big announcement for last, saying anyone can now sign up for the service - no invitation required.
“For the past 12 weeks we've been in field trial, and during that time we've listened and learned a great deal,” says Gundotra.
“We're nowhere near done, but with the improvements we've made so far we're ready to move from field trial to beta, and introduce our 100th feature: open signups. This way anyone can visit google.com/+, join the project and connect with the people they care about.”
Not to be left out, Facebook made its own announcement last night - rolling out new News Feed features.
Fighting back
Facebook engineer Mark Tonkelowitz wrote on the Facebook blog: “Starting today, it will be easier to keep up with the people in your life no matter how frequently or infrequently you're on Facebook.”
The update will see the News Feed acting “more like your own personal newspaper” with the most interesting stories featured at the top.
“If you haven't visited Facebook for a while, the first things you'll see are top photos and statuses posted while you've been away,” says Tonkelowitz, adding that more frequent Facebook users will see the most recent stories first.
Another new feature is the “ticker” which Facebook hopes will bring conversations to life by displaying updates instantaneously. The ticker is integrated in the chat bar on the right hand side.
Facebook is expected to unveil its own media platform as well as a major redesign at tomorrow's f8 developer conference.
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