Archive for June, 2011
Google’s Secret Answer to Instagram is a Pool Party… App [Apps]

Google's Secret Answer to Instagram is a Pool Party... AppIt looks like Facebook isn't the only one planning a secret Instagram rival. Pool Party is Google's Android-based answer to Instagram and it's already in beta testing (accessible by invite only).

Pool Party was designed by Slide, a subsidiary of the big G, and is similar to Instagram in that they're both social photo-sharing apps, but that's where the similarities end. Whereas Instagram is meant primarily for individual expression (as evidenced by its hipster-ish filters), Pool Party is more about, well, the party.

The emphasis here is on group sharing, where individual users contribute photos into a group album—a pool if you will. In this respect, it's kind of like Color, except based on friend groups instead of location. This shouldn't come as a surprise considering how much emphasis Google+ places on its Circles group-sharing feature.

This kind of app would be great for group outings, parties, concerts... Basically anything that involves a bunch of people taking pictures of a related subject, really. As it stands however, I can't see this becoming much of a threat to Instagram. If only because it lacks those hipster filters I love so much! [Android Market via TechCrunch]


You can keep up with Michael Zhao, the author of this post, on Twitter.
 
Gmail’s Getting a Whole New Look To Match Google+ [Blip]

Gmail's Getting a Whole New Look To Match Google+ Google is on a roll this week. It took the tech world by storm with Google+, freshened up the user interface of Google Calendar and just unleashed a new design for Gmail.

Jump into Gmail, hop to your settings and check out the two new themes (Preview and Preview Dense) you can try on for size. Not surprisingly, they make Gmail look a lot like Google+.

This new look is just a preview of what is to come. Google is working on a whole new interface that you can customize for your screen size and personal taste. [Google via The Next Web]


You can keep up with Kelly Hodgkins, the author of this post, on Twitter.
 
Google+ code hints at Games, Questions features

Google may already be preparing to expand the range of features offered through Google Plus. Snippets of source code from the social network offer clear references to two new services: Google+ Games and Google+ Qestions. The presence of gaming code corroborates a number of earlier leaks and speculation surrounding job postings, both suggesting the search giant has been quietly working to build its own web-based gaming platform.

Google last year was said to be involved in talks with Zynga, allegedly attempting to woo the developer into a strategic partnership worth as much as $200 million. The search company has yet to publicly confirm the reports, however its job postings added further evidence that a games group was being organized.

Aside from the Games feature, the Google+ code includes a list of references to a Questions feature that may work alongside the +1 system. Prompts appear to notify users when someone +1's their question, shares a question, adds a comment, or receives an answer.

"You might try rephrasing or tagging your question to make it easier for someone to answer," the code reads.

An Engadget report points out that Google last year acquired Aardvark, a company that specialized in question-and-answer services. After a user enters a question into Aardvark's system, the company finds a person likely to provide an accurate answer and attempts to provide a response within several minutes. "Tap the knowledge of people in your network!" the startup's website proclaims.

Google+ has just entered public beta stage, though the invite-only program has already been temporarily halted due to overwhelming demand. The company has yet to announce plans to add gaming capabilities or the Questions feature.

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