It is not surprising that Google comes up with an alternative to Facebook. Google+ is a new service –similar to Facebook- where users can share photos, videos, links and updates. Google+ is only accessible by invitation.

So what are the differences with Facebook?

With Google+ a user can easily identify with whom he wants to share content, thus users can also block certain content from certain groups of people. This is also possible with Facebook, but then the user must dive deep into the settings to make this possible.

Furthermore, Google uses "Circles". This allows you to divide all your 'friends'. Therefore you can have a circle for colleagues but also for relatives. Google says that almost everyone these days (also) is your friend (which includes, for instance, your colleagues) and therefore it is nice that these ‘friend’ can be divided into different circles.

'Hangout' is a service that allows you to set up a group chat. Users can create their own chat room and their friends get the message that this friend is ready to chat. Then other friends can join.

On Facebook you can already chat, but you cannot create your own chat room yet. (Please correct me if I am wrong).

With '+ Sparks' you can share your interests and other 'fans' can follow this (same) interest. Also you can search in Google+ for a specific topic based on your interests. 

Google is also using the function "Huddle". A group of friends can send text messages to each other, to (for instance) make a group appointment (This looks similar to What's App).

There will also be a mobile application, just like Facebook has its own app. The difference with Facebook is that the user can send photos to a separate folder in the cloud, ‘Instant Upload’. The folder is private, but then again also makes it easy to share content, even from other mobile devices.

Thus, Google+ is similar to Facebook, but seems even more focused on friends, the interactivity between the friends and blocking certain content from certain groups. Now, we will have to wait and see whether or not Google+ is serious competition for Facebook.

This innovative online business model could be interesting for advertisers, as they can specify their advertisements to the specific Circles. They can match the advertisement of, for instance, a beer trademark with a group of students). Also due to the +Sparks advertisers can easily see what the interests are and respond to that in a smart way. Furthermore, the music industry and film industry could offer special (streaming/downloading) services, which match with the Circles and +Sparks.  

Reference: Emerce.nl