Android News
Google+ to get new group tools through Fridge acquisition
July 21, 2011 | by Andrew Kameka
One of the most talked about and liked features of Google+ has been Circles, which allows users to control who can see what they share. Circles are likely to get an infusion of new features now that Google has acquired Fridge, a small start-up that focused on group sharing and planning.
Fridge announced today it has been acquired by Google, and its team and technology will be folded into the Google+ project. According to statements made to AllThingsD, Groups has always been part of the Google+ roadmap, and this acquisition will help Google deliver “shared circles.” (Circles are currently private and there’s no easy way for groups of people to communicate.)
Based on what Fridge previously offered its users, there are a couple of changes we can likely expect from Google+
Proper Groups – I like being able to have a circle that has Androinica writers, but I’m the only one who sees that circle. It would be great if we had a group in which all of the writers could see comments, share ideas, and work together.
Collaboration/Planning - Speaking of work together, this confirms what I and many people have guessed G+ would become. Aside from the obvious social networking aspect, it can be a productivity/planning tool for business and private groups alike. Imagine being able to post and have discussions, have polls, and then jump in a hangout to discuss things face to face? Fridge had polls, events, reminders, and more, so Google+ will probably have those features soon.
Take a look at this Fridge promo video to understand what the product offers. Listen for an ironic line around the 30 second mark.
p.s. for the next 60 minutes, I will send Google+ invites to people who leave a comment below. DO NOT PUT YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS in plain view. Just leave a comment with IntenseDebate and enter a valid address in the email field. You may not get in right away, but I will send as many as I can.
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You don't need invites to get in anymore. Been that way for a while now
that's not always the case. plenty of people go to sign-up and get the "keep me posted" message.
Yeah, that's the case for me. I haven't received an invite and only get the "keep me posted" response.
Hopefully I can get an invite from you.
I haven't gotten an invite either and I'm feelin' mighty low.
if you haven't gotten an invite yet – let me know
Ah sorry, my bad…I have invites too if anyone wants one.
this is amazing. i love it. google+ is on the right track.
My recent post Is Blogger and Picasa Going Away?
It seems like Google is moving in the right direction. I hope they do it right. Thanks for the offer of an invite. I've been wanting to give it a go.
Oops! Forgot my email…
lol. I love the "safe from Google" comment. p.s. I am not in Google+ yet.
Awesome!
I'm interested in a Google + Invite.
I think a lot was learned, as you say, from Wave and Buzz, but also from FB, ie what FB is not doing and what it is doing. Everyone is not a default position to start with, the Circles thing is exactly right. But what do I know, I haven't got on it yet.
Privacy is not assumed from the beginning with FB, and it takes an awful lot of work to be social with those that you want to be social with but the default position of sharing everything with everyone is not how being social works. That is what google+ has got right, recognising that different circles of categories of 'friends' get to see the aspects of ''you' that 'you' want to share with them. Still waiting for it to be public so I can join it and invite friends, family and relations. And put them in their place.
If you would like an invite to G+ please contact me thru Twitter at @CaptSabre. I would be more than happy to invite you and even show you how to get or give invites.
Fridge appears to fill the gap left (for some of us) when Google decided to ditch Waves. My work group found Waves extremely useful and we are looking forward to trying out the features Fridge may bring.
I think google will now see whats in your fridge!
pregnancymiracle