1. Social Media Roundup Google+: The basics

2. Social Media RoundupAgenda This week’s Social Media Roundup examines Google+ and its impact on the social media space.  What is Google+?  Google+ vs. Facebook  Major features of Google+  Additional features of Google+  Impact of Google+  Privacy, OPSEC and Google+  News links

3. Social Media Roundup What is Google+?  Google+ is a social networking service launched by Google on June 28, 2011.  According to Google, the goal of Google+ was to “make connecting with people on the web more like connecting with them in the real world.”  To achieve this goal, Google created a social networking service with features like “Circles,” “Hangouts” and “Sparks,” all of which are designed to improve the overall social media experience. For a quick introduction to Google +, check out the video above, which can be accessed here: http://goo.gl/fDIFZ. Please keep in mind, this Social Media Roundup is not for those looking to use Google+ for their command. Once Google introduces Google+ for businesses, we’ll take a look at that.http://goo.gl/fDIFZ

4.  There is a lot of discussion about what exactly Google+ adds to the social media space. A lot of people suggest that Google+ looks and acts much like Facebook, but there are many subtle differences.  Google+ is designed to provide integration with other Google applications like Gmail, Calendar, Documents, etc. So it ultimately aims to not only change the way people communicate, but also change the way people collaborate. In essence, Google+ looks to take social media one step further by combining all elements of a typical day. Social Media Roundup Google+ vs. Facebook The video above breaks down the Google vs. Facebook argument from a user perspective. http://goo.gl/kNR9zhttp://goo.gl/kNR9z

5. Social Media Roundup Major features of Google+ (in Google’s words)

6.  Instant upload: Instant upload is specific to Android mobile devices. When a user takes a photo or video with their phone, Google+ automatically stores the photo or video in a private album for sharing later.  Huddles: Huddles allow a group of users in a circle to communicate through instant messaging. It is basically a group chat where everyone gets on the same page to text. The Huddle feature is available for Android, iPhone, and SMS devices.  +1: The "+1" button to allows people to recommend items to other Google+ users.  Like other Google applications, Google+ provides integration with other Google applications like Gmail, Calendar, Documents, etc. Social Media Roundup Additional features of Google+

7.  On July 14, 2011, Google announced that Google+ had reached 10 million users just two weeks after it launched. After only four weeks in operation, it was reported that the service had reached 25 million users.  Google will eventually offer Google+ business profiles which will include analytics much like those offered by Facebook. So depending on the success of Google+, some companies may start branching out to Google+ to reach new audiences. For more about business profiles, read this story: http://goo.gl/NsfH7http://goo.gl/NsfH7  Journalists will continue to scour social media for news stories, so Google+ will be another resource for writers and bloggers. Writers may also use the Huddle and Hangout features to connect with readers. http://goo.gl/PULnWhttp://goo.gl/PULnW Social Media Roundup Impact of Google+

8. Social Media Roundup Privacy, OPSEC and Google+  Google+ is a new and exciting social media platform, but Google+ users should keep all of the same privacy and OPSEC considerations in mind.  The same guidelines for conduct and privacy apply when you are online or offline.  Don’t share anything online that you don’t want to be public.  Review your privacy settings and only share information with people you know well.  Never share personal information such as your phone number, home address, email or any information that could compromise OPSEC.

9. Social Media Roundup Privacy, OPSEC and Google+  Google+ privacy settings can be adjusted just as they can on Facebook and other social media platforms. After clicking on the “Profile and Privacy” tab, make sure you click on the individual sections to change your profile’s visibility and privacy.

10. Social Media Roundup News links  If you’re looking for more in-depth information about Google+ and its position in the social media environment, make sure to check out some of the blogs and news coverage links below. Official Google Blog: Introducing the Google+ project: Real-life sharing, rethought for the webIntroducing the Google+ project: Real-life sharing, rethought for the web NPR, Blog of the Nation: Google Plus: Do You Need Another Social Network?Google Plus: Do You Need Another Social Network? Washington Post: Google Plus could be the fastest-growing site in historyGoogle Plus could be the fastest-growing site in history CNN: A month with Google+: Why this social network has legsA month with Google+: Why this social network has legs The Atlantic: Why Facebook and Google's Concept of 'Real Names' Is RevolutionaryWhy Facebook and Google's Concept of 'Real Names' Is Revolutionary WebProNews: Google+ is Adding a Human Element to a Tech GiantGoogle+ is Adding a Human Element to a Tech Giant VentureBeat: What Google+ does better than Twitter and FacebookWhat Google+ does better than Twitter and Facebook

11. Social Media Roundup Contact information Have questions? Please feel free to reach out to us at the Online and Social Media Division OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS PENTAGON 8/10/2011 Email: Ocpa.osmd@us.army.mil To review and download past editions of the Social Media Roundup, visit our Slideshare site at: http://www.slideshare.net/usarmysocialmedia. All Social Media Roundups are authorized to be distributed to a broader audience.http://www.slideshare.net/usarmysocialmedia