Open Social: Google Launches Their Own Social Network Project

We are all familiar with Facebook, Myspace, Hi5, Friendster, and the hundreds, if not thousands, of other Social Networks. Well, Google sat, observed the growing success, and decided they now want a piece of the pie.

Google is ready to launch their own project to attempt and collect some of the millions of users. Tomorrow is the day that OpenSocial (link will only work after Thursday’s launch) goes on the air.

Goole's OpenSocialWhat is Open Social?

It is NOT a platform like the others. Google is launching a few common Application Programming Interfaces (API) for application developers to be able to build and use on other social networks. They have provided a place, so applications can be built easier and faster, for it uses javascript and html, and may also embed flash. Developers can amend their application a lot easier then the current rules and requirements of the Facebook Applications.

The host sites that are already on board to allow these applications are: LinkedIn, Plaxo, Friendster, Hi5, and more.

Update: As of November 1st, Myspace, Bebo and SixApart have also signed on as hosts of Open Social.

If you plan on (or are) developing some new apps using Open Social, please share it with us.

Via: TechCrunch (including picture)