Google+ Sign-In To Challenge Facebook Connect

Today Google+ introduced Sign-In, their version of the widely adopted Facebook Connect in an effort to expand and widen its reach on the web. Google has already partnered with several companies including: Fancy, Fitbit, OpenTable, and Flixster. The concept is pretty much the same as Facebook Connect with you signing in to your Gmail, Youtube, or other Google Service account and having that information save as your login. An interesting feature that Sign-In has is that if the company has an Android app (like Fancy), you can remotely install it when you sign in on their website. Another feature that Sign-In has is the ability to share links with specific Circles on your Google+ account in addition to allowing them to view the post in a special “interactive” layout. Google has been on a roll as of late, introducing Glass to the public, a new Chromebook, and now an easier way to sign in to your favorite websites and apps. For more details and full list of companies participating in Sign-In, please visit their announcement page.

Update on 2013-02-27 06:53 by Jed Wu

Update: Fancy posted this photo on their Twitter account of the cake Google sent them for the launch of Google+ Sign-In.

Google Now Allowing Public To Get Early Access To Glass

Last summer Google announced at their Google I/O conference their “Explorer” edition of its Google Glass project allowing early buyers an opportunity to pre-order one for $1500. For those who think they are, “...creative individuals who want to join us and be a part of shaping the future of Glass,” Google is now taking open applications to allow the public to purchase their bold new headset. For those unfamiliar with the Glass project, it is an augmented reality head-set display that would display smartphone like information. Examples of what it could do include: taking a photo or video, allowing others to see what you see in real-time, give directions or even translate text for you. To apply, you’ll need to submit an application via Google+ or Twitter being 50 words or less describing what you would do if you had Glass and begin it with hashtag #ifihadglass. You can include up to 5 photos and a short 15 second max video also. If you get accepted you’ll still need the $1500 but you will be able to attend a, “special pick-up experience,” in Los Angeles, New York, or San Francisco. Good luck because the deadline is February 27th.