Vic Gundotra: How we claim 170M Google+ users (Reporters' Roundtable)
Google execs see Google+'s features as a layer of social functionality on top of Google's services. More specifically, users' social signals, like those from the +1 feature, don't just show up on Google+. Rather, the change Google's core function, search -- at least for people you're socially connected to.As Bradley Horowitz says, "The +1 button gives you the opportunity to provide contextual value. It changes what used to be spam into a gesture of generosity."Google's Google+ leaders say they are happy with the way people are using the service, while effectively avoiding a discussion about the success of Google+ as a standalone destination.Meanwhile, however, it's clear that Google+ is being prepped as a platform for major new initiatives. Horowitz said that a big reason for the redesign was to "make space in an information architecture sense, for where to put new stuff." He wouldn't say what this new stuff is, but in the new page design there's a lot of white space where information from other services could show up. The new, customizable nav bar could also handle apps, either from Google or other developers.Listen nowYour browser does not support the audio element.Subscribe to the Roundtable:iTunes:MP3 |320x180 |640x360Podcast RSS:MP3 |320x180 |640x360
