Two years ago, Google launched Profiles allowing users to integrate their social networks into one searchable location and at the time, we opined that Google was building their own social network.
Google Buzz has since launched, but Google has yet to put Facebook or Twitter down like Lassie, but the decade is still young. Instead, Google is taking a design step toward looking more like Facebook, confirming our belief that all social networks take steps forward with design and function and the others follow one another… maybe some day we’ll have a Goliath social network as they all grow into each other.
All facetiousness aside, the new updates to the Google Profiles look slick and emphasize photos more- we only wish it would stream Facebook pictures so they stayed more fresh for those of us not active on Flickr (or maybe adding a Twitpic or Picplz option).
Google Product Manager Greg Marra said, “We think this new design helps highlight the information that’s most important to you, making it easier for people who visit your profile to get to know you. As the new layout gradually rolls out, current users of Google Profiles will notice that their existing profile will automatically update to the new style.”
Some Realtors use their Google profile as a URL in their social network bios and in their email signature, so here is what the new design will look like when it’s rolled out any minute now:
Click to enlarge.
What do you think of the redesign? Are you more or less inclined to use Google Profiles or use it as a primary destination for social network bios?
