So Google+ just rolled out a major design facelift yesterday. I knew about the update but didn’t bother to check it out until I got intrigued after reading posts about users not liking the new design, the Facebook Timelinesque cover/profile photo and the now popular “whitespace“.

When I logged in, I was expecting to see a horrid looking design but instead what I saw was this simple, yet elegant looking design. IMO, the overall layout and feel of the new interface is not only beautiful but also provides for a better user experience. The new layout makes it easier to navigate through the different Google+ features. I think what made me easily adjust to the new UI (user interface) redesign is the fact that I haven’t logged in to my Google+ account in quite a while.

Here’s a demo video of the new Google+ layout:

I like how you can now share/view photos and videos on a larger scale. I also like how you can customize the menu/navigation and sort it according to your preference. Of course if you use Google+ a lot and you’re used to the old layout then you’ll be a bit confused with the new one. But I’m sure it won’t take a while before you start getting used to the left-aligned control panel, the frame-based main content section, chat sidebar and the “whitespace”. One of the new features is the Explore page where you can find out new and interesting stuff on Google+, trending topics, etc.

Although I like Google+’s new layout, I understand why other users don’t like it. Most of the time, it’s not about how the new stuff looks or works but simply because it involves change and most people hate change. It takes them out of their comfort zone and it’s applicable in almost all aspects of life including social networks. When Facebook Timeline was first introduced/released, users also complained about it but after a few weeks of using it and getting used to it, they eventually changed their minds. Like the saying goes, “the only constant is change” so whether you like it or not, you’ll have to get used to it and start using it sooner or later.

The most popular “feature” on the new Google+ design is the “whitespace”, the blank white area/section right between the main content area and the chat sidebar. According to Google+, that blank area is supposedly a “feature” and was intended to be there for a special reason. It has become so popular that it started a #whitespace meme.

While browsing through Google+, I came across these funny and interesting videos talking about the new Google+ design:

How do you like the new Google+ design/layout? What do you think of the #whitespace? Please share your thoughts.

So the biggest news yesterday and probably for the next couple of days was how Facebook bought Instagram for a whopping $1 Billion. This by far is the most expensive acquisition Facebook has ever made (Drop.io $10 million, ConnectU $31 million, FriendFeed $47.5 million, Snaptu $70 million).

Why would Facebook buy a photo-sharing service like Instagram and why would they spend that much money? Because of Instagram’s huge success in the mobile photo sharing market and because of its huge following – more than 27 Million iPhone users and more than 1 Million Android users (1 Million downloads in the first 12 hours of release) that have just recently started using the app/service.

The move was met mostly with negative reactions from Instagram users. Others were worried about how their privacy (location-tagged photos) would be affected by the acquisition, while some were wary that Instagram would face the same fate as other companies – Gowalla, Beluga and Snaptu, who were all shutdown after being acquired by Facebook. Some users even threatened or actually deleted their Instagram accounts as soon as news of the acquisition was announced. Mashable as well as other notable sites even provided users some tips on how to delete Instagram accounts and save their photos.

I’m not sure about the privacy issue but regarding Instagram being shutdown, I don’t its gonna happen. In his own note about the acquisition, Mark Zuckerberg talks about how Instagram would continue to operate independently:

We believe these are different experiences that complement each other. But in order to do this well, we need to be mindful about keeping and building on Instagram’s strengths and features rather than just trying to integrate everything into Facebook.

That’s why we’re committed to building and growing Instagram independently. Millions of people around the world love the Instagram app and the brand associated with it, and our goal is to help spread this app and brand to even more people.

As an Instagram user, I don’t mind the acquisition as long as Instagram stays alive. As a Facebook user, I’m thrilled with this development because one of my favorite apps/services will be now directly or indirectly integrated with Facebook and Timeline.

How about you guys, what do you think of Facebook buying Instagram? What are your concerns regarding this acquisition? Do you think it was well worth the $1 Billion? For Instagram users, are you guys gonna stay or leave? Please share your thoughts.

About two weeks ago, my friend Nick Oba invited me to check out his new startup, a social networking site called Zurker. It works like any regular social network where users can post status updates and wall posts, notes, share web links and photos, connect with other users who share the same interests, etc.

What makes Zurker different and unique from existing social networks like Facebook, Twitter or MySpace is that it is a member-owned application. It is not funded by VCs (Venture Capital) but funded by members who invest and buy vShares (virtual shares), making them co-owners of the application. Another way to earn vShares is by referring friends and other people to join Zurker.

The vShares that members invest on aren’t real stock but are considered as an agreement between the co-founding developers and users regarding the size of their equity in the venture that will be established. Once a 1,000,000 vShares have been allocated, Zurker will be revamped as a public corporation and only then will the vShares turn into real shares.

I’ve been trying out Zurker the past few days and the first thing that sticks out is the user interface. It is simple and different from what most of us are used to with other social networks. I don’t mind the simplicity but the interface right now is a bit clattered and awkward to use, especially the menu navigation where it can be quite confusing to navigate from one area to another or find a specific page (Settings). I believe that Zurker should improve the user interface if they want to attract more users. Btw, I’m not sure if it’s just me but the color scheme reminds me of MyBlogLog.

Screenshots:
Profile

Home

Zurker is still in its initial stages so we can’t expect it to have everything. I’m not sure if users would like to have Apps and Games on Zurker but here are some features that I’d like to see added in the future – First, Zurker’s own web button, probably call it the Zurk button which works something like the retweet and like buttons where users can “zurk” web content and share it on Zurker; Second, a mobile app version for iOS, Android and Windows Phone.

As of now, Zurker is still in beta testing so it is not yet open to the public. If you want access, you’ll need an invite. Don’t worry I have a Zurker invite just for you.

Anyone else who’s on Zurker? What do you like/dislike about this new social network? What features/options would you like to be improved or added on Zurker? Please share your thoughts.

For those of you who are already on Google+ or know what it is about, you don’t have to worry about explaining what this new social network is about and how it works. Just share the video below to all your family, friends, co-workers and other people who wants to know about Google+. I bet you could even use this video to convince your friends on Facebook to try if not switch to Google+.

Kudos to the video author, YouTube user “epipheo“. He did a very good job with the presentation of the facts and at the same time, making it simple and easy to understand. I also like the way he explains Google+ and the issue about privacy settings on Facebook as explained in the video description:

Google Plus is Google’s new social network. But why start a Google Plus account when you already have a Facebook account? Well, Facebook was developed on the premise that everyone is your “friend” which isn’t how your social circles work in real life. Google plus is built so that you can intuitively break up all your connections into “circles” and treat each circle separately. (Facebook allows you to do some of the same things but the privacy settings are confusing and constantly changing.)

Btw, if you want to try Google+ and would like an invite, just leave a comment below or send me a message via the Contact page.

How do you like the What is Google+ (Google Plus) and do I need it? video? Who among you here are already on Google+? Have you completely switched to Google+ and totally abandoned Facebook or you plan to keep both? What other issues and concerns have made you switch to Google+? Please share your thoughts.

I know not everyone on Facebook will be jumping ship, but in case you some of your family members and friends want to know the differece between the two social networks you point can them to this infographic created by the folks of TechnoBombs. This infographic compares the different features of Facebook and Google+ like Facebook’s friend list vs Google+ Circles, Facebook video calling vs Google+ Hangouts, Facebook Places vs Google+ location, etc.

Facebook vs Google+ Infographic

[click here to view the larger version or check out the official post]

On the bottom part of the infographic, it lists some of the things that are in Facebook but are missing in Google+. Having business profiles and a Google+ version of Facebook Questions are fine but I hope that Google doesn’t add games. Games and other social apps are one of the main sources of spam and annoying notifications on Facebook and I don’t want to see/have that on my Google+ stream.

Since the publication of the post and infographic, the author has added/made one correction regarding the ability to share a post to specific people on Google+ by simply clicking on “add more people”. Btw, if you’re on Google+ feel free to add me – Jaypee Habaradas

Anybody else on Google+? Who here are Facebook users and have recently joined Google+? How do you like it so far? Any plans of ditching Facebook for Google+ or do you plan to keep both? What are the features you like/dislike or what features/options would you like to be added to Google+? Please share your thoughts.