Pretty much since the inception of the Google+ social network – or whatever – Google execs have made it pretty clear that they’re not looking to just create a stand-alone social network that competes on the same ground as Facebook or Twitter. And as things have progressed, more and more Google applications have taken on the look and feel of G+, which from a purely UI perspective, was a good choice.
Google’s forum software, Google Groups, took on the barebones G+ look a few months back. Google Docs just got a facelift. And if you thought that it was just a user interface preference or stylistic switch, consider this:
Google+: Across the early adopter chasm? | The Digital Home – CNET News.
A key component in that, Horowitz said, is bringing the “Google” by integrating other Web services into the Google+ ecosystem to make the project a far more well-rounded offering….
“It’s still incredibly early days for Google+ because our goal is actually far bigger than the individual feature launches themselves,” Page said. “Our ultimate ambition is to transform the overall Google experience, making it beautifully simple, almost automagical, because we understand what you want and can deliver it instantly.”
When you think of the possibilities of a unified social network and cloud services – as indeed Google Docs and others have always represented, even before that term got popular – they’re pretty staggering. That’s especially true for businesses, which is what most experts started out saying G+ was all about. One place to manage email, calendars, documents, photos, collaboration and social networking. That’s what G+ aims to be.
By the way, you can follow me on Google+ here.
