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Ivan Petkov

For a long time now, social networks have ceased to be something exotic, used only by a few geeks in the network who are hanging out there all day. The giant Facebook alone has over 800 million users. Along with Twitter the two networks cover most of the virtual social life of the general Internet user. Google joined later and managed to shake things up by adding some interesting innovations. More and more often, however, I read posts that Google + is like a ghost town among the social networks - 40 million users and very low activity. The reason for this is that nobody has the time and desire to actively participate in many social networks. You can also add to the equation LinkedIn. So far nothing new. But do not rush.
    Last week some information appeared about the project Tulalip, developed by the research group FUSE, which aims to give consumers a new social network: Socl.com. The information says that the project is at an advanced stage of development and will soon be publicly released; also that participation in the network is only possible after invitation. The latter method is often used to increase consumer interest. Many of those who comment on this project are sceptical of how worthwhile another social network would be, and also of the fact that Microsoft apparently sees this network as an experiment. In addition, the Redmond company has more close relationships with Facebook - several hundred millions investment in the social network, and after the purchase of Skype, a quite similar project for a video chat service provided by Marc Zuckerberg’s company. In relation to this, the video talks between Facebook and Skype are already available.

    But back to the new social network - Socl.com. For the moment all we know is that it will be built around the search engine Bing, and that options for video calls will be available. Both things are not unexpected. But what is this something new and different that it would provide the users to make them actively participate in it? The appearance of the network is so standard that nothing distinguishes it from its competitors - Facebook and Google +.

Photo: The Verge

Another major event in the world of social networks from the past few days is the release of  corporate and product pages, similar to those on Facebook. What does the new service offer us?

First we can share news related to the business or product, which is presented on the respective page. Another advantage is considered to be video conversations that can be held with potential or existing customers.

The second major advantage indicated is the button +1, using which the products or the company that created the page can be promoted.

A third stated advantage is the tools to measure consumer interest. Given the availability of Google Analytic, this service is hardly surprising to anyone.

    We shall see how Microsoft's new social network will be launched and whether it will have any success among consumers. What will be the integration of the services offered by the Redmont company? Will Skype be integrated into the network? And many more unknowns.
    On the other hand, we shall also see whether Google will be able to revitalize its network. What will the success of the product pages be? What else will the company integrate so as to be able to make Google + the preferred social network among users. In relation to this, we draw attention to the launch of Google Music for all American consumers over the past week.

Along with its release it also became known that a significant integration with Google + is also being planned.
    Development and competition in the world of social networks are yet to come. More and more services will be integrated into them in an effort to provide as many interesting features for the consumers as possible, so as to get them to choose a given network over another and to keep them loyal to this network. It becomes more and more interesting, expect the sequel!