Google+ is a social networking website designed by Google to compete with Facebook, and offers similar features such as news feeds, photos and status updates.
The service was unveiled on June 28 with an invite system, which Google has said has created “insane demand”, so much so they have decided to halt users from sending any more invites.
Google have not yet set a date for a full public roll out of the new social networking website.
You can read more at sydneymorningherald.com.au
Thomson Reuters Deals Intelligence data has revealed upwards of US $5 billion of venture capital investment has been injected into growing web companies in the first 4 months of this year.
This means 2011 is on course to be the busiest in dollars terms since way back in 2000, when the web was really starting to take off. More than US $55 billion was shared back then.
Valuations for Facebook (US $70 billion) and GroupOn (US $15 billion) are believed to be one of the reasons for the growing investments in web start ups.
In a different post from the usual involving Facebook and Twitter, the social media sites have been useful in allowing people who are stranded in flood-stricken areas to connect with relatives and friends.
Facebook was used to post Queensland Premiere Anna Bligh’s updates and messages of hope throughout the crisis.
Twitter is also credited with helping to sort out emergency housing locations and information, and provide updates on police information.
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SMH reports that the website www.reverseaustralia.com is a directory which links names and phone numbers, to addresses. It has caused the Australian Communications and Media Authority to investigate whether it constitutes a privacy breach.
The service, created by an Australian man living overseas, not only links to phone numbers which may otherwise be unlisted, but also asks users to login using their Facebook details, which is arguably also using private information.
James (first name given only), the maker of the site, wants to create an i-Phone Ap for this service too.
