GooglePlus will be a minus
So, Google has embarked on yet another social networking project. Billed as Google’s most important project to date, Plus is expected by many to offer Facebook some stiff competition. This is not the first time that Google has tried to venture into the social networking world. You will recall that most recently, the search engine giant came up with its bizarre Buzz service which never really took off. The key question is will Google succeed this time around? Will the new offing prove a hit and usurp Facebook’s solid grip onto the social media world?
Although Plus is on the surface fundamentally similar to Facebook and Twitter, it has unique features which might prove key in its growth and popularity. One of the noticeable features is the circles which essentially allow users to group their contacts according to the nature of the relationship. This is an amazing feature in that it allows you to only view particular updates, which is refreshing. One at times gets overwhelmed by the number of updates and posts that come up on Twitter and Facebook.
Another important highlight on Plus is its design, which is simple and to the point. The design is also slick with a hint of professionalism. The “sparks” feature will also prove to be a hit. It allows users to save and follow keywords at a click, just like hashtag searches on Twitter.
Will Plus survive in the social media jungle, already occupied by the powerful Facebook and the ever growing Twitter? I really do not think so. For starters, the invite tactic is such a turn off! One can only begin using the service after getting an invitation unlike on Facebook and Twitter where you can simply sign up and start networking. Fair enough, the invite tactic might generate that buzz and attract those who love exclusivity, but then again it frustrates. People do not have the time to wait for an invite, and besides the very same people that Plus want to tap into are busy tweeting and facebooking.
The other reason why I am sceptical of Plus, is Google’s track record in social networking projects. Google Wave, Buzz, Voice, and Orkut, are just some of the services which flopped. This long history of failure does not inspire any confidence.
And lastly, Plus will be a flop mainly because of saturation. I think the social networking space will be, for a very long time, be occupied by Twitter and Facebook and people throughout the world have come to accept this and are indeed comfortable. For Plus to break in, Google will have to come up with something out of the earth, something tremendously unique which will attract people at the click of a button.