Google+

I’ve been using Google+ for a couple months at this point. I have to say that I really like it. It is a really nice alternative to Facebook and something that is always pleasing when I return to it. Here’s what I like about it:

<li>The whole thing is based around sharing things with specific circles (groups of contacts that you can define). I know this functionality also exists on Facebook but Google+ does not bury it. In fact, sharing to circles is the default behavior. I much prefer this mode of communication to Facebook’s default everything-is-public behavior.</li>
<li>The design is clean and uncluttered. Whenever I log in to Facebook I feel like I’m being assualted by 50 things that all want my attention. It’s amazing what a little white space and typographic hierarchy will do. It seems that Google has hired some designers.</li>
<li>This may be because businesses aren’t into Google+ yet, but Google+ doesn’t seem to butt into the rest of my life via emails. There aren’t inane comparisons notification between me and Harry Potter characters (yet). I feel like I can leave it and come back without being punished.</li>

Overall, I think that Google+ is pretty great. The iPhone app could use some work, but I’m happy with the direction Google is headed.