Google launches +1 to take on Facebook’s Like button

Okay, so no Google Me, the much speculated about Google social network (and Facebook killer), but instead what we have got is+1. It is essentially Google’s version of the Facebook Like button. Its way of recommending content on the web.

Google is starting to roll it out immediately. What do you think about the name? Personally, while the idea makes perfect sense, the name less so. Google’s problem was that it had to do something different to Facebook and its use of the word “like”, which I’m sure heavily influenced the naming of this product.

Time will tell whether we will all start +1′ing. Anyway, to use Google +1, or to “get started +1’ing” (as Google puts it), or recommending content users will need to create a Google profile. For those who already have one they simply upgrade their exisitng one. It also means that you don’t automatically get it if you don’t want it (as people didn’t want Google Buzz).

Through their Google profile users will be able to see all their +1′s in one place as well as manage existing ones. That means they will also be able to delete those items they no longer want to recommend. Does anyone bother unliking stuff?

Google says it will begin rolling out +1′s, starting in English on Google.com. Those who don’t see +1’s immediately will be able to opt-in on its experimental search site.

First off Google says that +1′s will appear alongside search results and ads, but going forward they’ll appear in many more places including other Google products and sites across the web. Another echo of the Like button, which has become universal cropping up literally everywhere.

As with everything Google does there is a heavy emphasis on search, or social search, here and making search results more relevant by friends in your network who have recommended content. Makes sense. If only you could see Facebook content here too and see what people were liking when you search the web. Google has posted this video to walk you through it.

Published by: The Wall

Published 30th March, 2011

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