Google Plus One: Social Searching

Google obviously think that social networking is pretty darn important. They have tried before with Buzz and Wave to create a framework for systems but they never really succeeded.

However, their latest +1 button integrates the company's core competency of search results with social networking and brings Google's heavy artillery to bear on the likes of Facebook and Twitter. Yes, it's potentially that important.

You can read the full details of the +1 button on Google's own blog when it was launched. However, in a nutshell it allows you to highlight certain search results that you consider to be quality by clicking a +1 button next to them. Any of your social contacts will then be able to see your recommendations.

While presently the system stops at Google Chat and Contact buddies the ultimate aim is for your search results to understand more about your social connections including those through Twitter. How's that for integration?

In order to use the +1 you'll need to be in a certain geographical areas (if you can't see it yet it'll be with you soon) and be logged in to your Google account.