Google Plus, is a social networking service like Facebook that allows users to add each other as friends. There are features such as Circles, Hangouts, Huddle, Sparks and "+1" button. "Circles" is a feature that allows users to manipulate contacts organizing them into groups. That means users can drag and drop their friends into different circles which symbolizes different social circles of the user. "Hangouts" is a feature that is basically the group video chat function that allows a maximum of 10 users to participate in a single "Hangout" at any point of time. "Huddle" is a feature that allows smartphone users which only include Android, iPhone and SMS devices for instant messaging within circles. "Sparks" is a feature that is basically Google Search, enabling users to share topics they are interested to share with others. Sparks also keep users updated on their topics of interest.

Therefore, Facebook, being faced with a strong competitor like Google+, has launched video calling service with Skype, which allows one to one video calling in an attempt to challenge Google+ 's Hangouts feature. So, we can see that Facebook feels threatened by Google+ which shows that Google's response to the rise of Facebook is strong and they are serious about cracking the social networking service market.

This video shows an overview of Google+.

By Zi Qiang