Google Plus and More

What with arguably the predominant smartphone OS (Android), an ascending tablet ecosystem (also running the Android OS), arguably the first successful consumer-oriented thin client laptop (Chromebook), and a solid record launching online services (at least compared to Apple and Microsoft) -- not to mention the world's most popular search engine, web-based email system, and video-sharing service -- Google has real potential to be predominant. 

This article by Dave Llorens in Fast Company reviews Google's dominance through the perspective of Google+, which itself might be poised to overtake Facebook.  

"The Future Of Google Plus, And Its Path To Social-Media Domination" 

BY DAVE LLORENS | FEBRUARY 11, 2013 

Scoff all you want, but these compelling, just-catching-on product rollouts and integrations will make Google win the battle for hearts, minds, and active users. 

Despite being an echo chamber as far as the press was concerned only two months ago, now Google Plus is “bigger than Twitter,” according to many of the same media outlets. That might not feel true today, but it will in short order.

A month ago, I wrote about how no one was willing to admit that Google Plus’s user acquisition strategy of using the carrot and not the stick was… well, working. Well enough so that I was willing to gamble a pie in the face on it. Google began by absorbing 100% of online writers by way of offering them the ability to claim their own work with Google Authorship. Then Google Plus started absorbing all local businesses by starting to merge Google maps and Google local business pages. It wasn’t clear at the time what the next steps would be to get everyone else on board too, but that’s changed. 

As I see it, here are the big carrots that Google will use to further tip the scales:

See the link for the full article. 

Update on Thursday, February 14, 2013 at 06:28PM by williamgarrity

In TechRepublic --

Google Now: The future of big data and Android's game-changer

By Jason Hiner

February 14, 2013, 12:41 PM PST

Takeaway: While Google Now raises plenty of privacy hackles, it’s also a stunningly useful example of the power of big data and a major advantage for Android.

Google Now: The future of big data and Android's game-changerBy Jason HinerFebruary 14, 2013, 12:41 PM PSTTakeaway: While Google Now raises plenty of privacy hackles, it’s also a stunningly useful example of the power of big data and a major advantage for Android.