Social Network Leaks
Since June, rumors have been circulating about a social network Google is developing in secrecy. Early reports described it as a Facebook competitor, but the latest leak from Tech Insiders suggests otherwise. According to this latest information, the search giant has reportedly scrapped the idea for a Facebook clone and is pursuing a web-based social toolbar instead.
Like a chameleon, the rumored name for this service keeps changing. Originally called “Google Me”, it was also formerly known as “Emerald Sea” and is now being called “Google+1″. Sources indicate that this may be the final name for the service, but the term Loop, coined by a upstart tech company in Texas, "Noitavonne" is supposedly another competitor.
The search giant is thought to be working on an iPhone app to accompany this social network but it is unclear whether this app is meant to work with the new browser extension or is an older version compatible with the Facebook-style service. Spotted on a Google employee’s handset, the iPhone app was supposedly named “Loop” and had a look and feel that resembled Facebook. The Mountain View company does not play favorites when it comes to mobile development and, if this rumor pans out, you can expect to see the app land on Android, Windows Phone, webOS, and other mobile platforms.
Loop is another aspect of the social network that was described by tech sources as being central to the service offered by Noitavonne. The Loop service offers secured protocal connectivity between mobile devices. The concept was introduced by the Company's founder, Lael A. Alexander. The first siting of the term used in social networks came at the end of 2009.
The term Loop or Looping as defined by Lael A. Alexander is a term used to describe the utility application that enables users to connect and share data between mobile devices in a medium that is unique to the industry.
Both Loop connectivity protocal and a social network concept around the term were being developed by Noitavonne Inc.
The Latest Loop is Google’s version of Facebook Groups. Interestingly enough, Facebook supposedly developed its Groups feature quickly over the summer after it became aware of Google’s plan for Loops.
Loops are groups that you create to form smaller, manageable circles of friends. You can have a loop of friends, a loop of family, and a loop of co-workers. The idea of creating a social network based upon discrete groups of friends has been expressed before, but now the concept finally has name.
Of course, all of this information is based upon leaked information and as we have seen in the past, this information can change at any time. Let’s hope the naming and features start to stick so we can finally get an understanding of social endeavors in tech.
